Muhammad Ali has been so hindered by his Parkinson's disease that he can barely speak or leave his home, reports The Guardian.
Ali was too ill to attend this week's Hollywood premiere of a documentary about his life, "I Am Ali," according to his younger brother, Rahman Ali.
"I have not been able to talk to my brother about this because he is sick. He doesn't speak too well. But he is proud that we are here for him. He has given this film his blessing, Rahman told the Sunday People.
The 72-year-old former heavyweight world champion has struggled with Parkinson's disease since his diagnosis in 1984. In February 2013, Rahman said his brother "could die within days", eliciting a whirlwind of media activity and denials from family members.
Ali's last major public appearance was at the 2012 Olympic Games.
Ali's weakening conditions prevented him from being involved in the making of this documentary. Instead, the film relies on interviews with relatives and friends, along with audio journals recorded in his prime.
Ali's daughter, Maryum, attended the premiere and came away with positive reviews.
"He's going to love it. I know he is. He is going to cry, he is going to laugh. He will be very proud," she said.
The documentary, directed by Britain's Clare Lewins, follows the story of Cassius Clay's birth in Kentucky, to winning gold at the 1960 Rome Olympics, defeating Sonny Liston for the heavyweight championship, converting to Islam and changing his name and the aftermath of his refusal to go to Vietnam.
Ali's son, Muhammad Ali Jr, told reporters in January that there was "no chance" his father would survive the year. "I just want, hope and pray to God that this awful disease takes my dad sooner rather than later," he said.
Ali finished his career 56-5 with 37 wins by way of knockout.
