Laila Ali brought her 18-year-old son, Curtis Muhammad Conway Jr., as her date to the 41st Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner in New York City on October 5.
The mother-son duo arrived at the New York Hilton Midtown, where Laila was among 11 athletes being honored.
Her legendary father, Muhammad Ali, received the same honor at the inaugural dinner in 1986. Forty years later, they became the first father-daughter pair in the event’s history to share the distinction.
Ahead of the event, Laila spoke to the New York Post about following in her father’s footsteps.
“I’ve worked very hard to establish my own identity, create my own path, but I will always be proud to be my father’s daughter,” she said. “Now, to be the only father-daughter combination to receive this honor 40 years apart is something I definitely don’t take lightly.”
The 41st Annual Great Sports Legends Dinner raised funds for The Buoniconti Fund, which supports The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and its research into paralysis and neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, which Muhammad Ali battled for 32 years.
Laila later expressed her appreciation for the fundraiser in an Instagram post on Sunday.
“Last week I was recognized at the Great Sports Legends Dinner in New York alongside so many incredible athletes! More importantly, it was a night supporting the incredible work of The Buoniconti Fund and @themiamiproject to Cure Paralysis. Their dedication to advancing research and finding a cure for paralysis is admirable!” she wrote.
She also shared how much it meant to have Curtis there with her.
“Having my son by my side made the night even more special. I hope he left feeling inspired and proud!” she added.
Laila shares Curtis Jr. and 15-year-old daughter Sydney with her husband, former NFL player Curtis Conway.
