Muhammad Ali's family set to fight over legendary boxer's fortune

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali's death on 4 June plunged the entire world into grief and sadness and as arrangements were being finalised for his funeral in his home city of Louisville, Kentucky, his lawyers now face the task of distributing his vast fortune.

The "Greatest" as Ali was called, was married four times and leaves behind nine children along with current wife Lonnie Ali and brother Rahaman Ali. His fourth wife Lonnie will most likely be the "executor" of his will and this is where, according to a report in the Express, sources claim "it could get messy" due to various divisions within the family.

Reportedly, there is a rift between some family members. Speaking about Lonnie, Charlotte Waddell, a cousin of the fighter, said: "I can't stand to be around her. It wouldn't take me two seconds to spit in her face." Also, Lonnie had reportedly forced Ali's brother Rahaman out of the family home and into a flat.

The late boxing legend is reported to be worth around £35m ($50m) and was still earning between £3m to £5m through his deals with companies like Electronic Arts and Adidas. The boxer also owns properties in Arizona and Kentucky with his memorabilia likely to fetch a good amount.

The funeral of the former three-time world boxing heavyweight champion will be held on 10 June at Louisville, Kentucky, where people will be allowed to pay their respects. The funeral will be preceded by a procession through the streets where the legend grew up, with former American president Bill Clinton and comedian Billy Crystal among the eulogists.