Muhammad Ali’s legendary boxing career continues to captivate discussions today. During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Lampley shared a touching story about Ali’s character outside the ring, especially regarding an interaction with his daughter at a Boxing Writers Association dinner. Known primarily for his role as the lead blow-by-blow announcer on HBO World Championship Boxing from 1988 to 2018, Lampley delved into various boxing topics during the show.
Helwani prompted Lampley to recount a special moment from 1988 when he had to run errands before the Boxing Writers Association dinner. Ali immediately offered to babysit Lampley’s daughter, Brooke. “True or false, on one special evening, I believe you were either hosting or at a Boxing Writer of America dinner. Is it not true that Muhammad Ali essentially babysat your daughter?” Helwani inquired.
“I would take out essentially,” Lampley replied. “He babysat my daughter. I was master of ceremonies for the United States Boxing Writers Association dinner at Trump’s hotel below Grand Central Station. Ali was autographing copies of his book that day and scheduled to be the last speaker that night.” Lampley recounted how he had brought Brooke to the event since he didn’t see her much after his divorce. Realizing he needed to run errands in Manhattan, he hesitated to take her along. He then asked if anyone could watch his daughter, and Ali instantly volunteered. “As I left the room, I looked back and saw he had already pulled out a deck of cards. I had heard about his card tricks and thought, ‘Okay, he’s got a plan. This will work out well.’ I returned about an hour and a half later, and he was still with her, engaged in activities.”
This is incredible.
Jim Lampley reflects on the time Muhammad Ali babysat his daughter. pic.twitter.com/yFcIn5uRxB
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 24, 2025
Lampley went on to explain how this memory left a lasting impression on Brooke, who used Ali’s famous phrase, “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,” at her graduation from the American School of London. “Ten years later, she graduated as the valedictorian. Her mother had moved to London, and during the graduation ceremony, each student contributed a line to define them. On the second-last page, I saw Brooke’s name: ‘Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.’” He proudly added, “She is now a successful art dealer with a remarkable portfolio. If you were to describe her business approach, my wife would say, ‘She floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee.’ It was a perfect match.”
This poignant memory also resonated deeply with Lampley, who believes it will stay with him throughout his life. “Occasionally, you experience moments that you know will evoke strong emotions in your final days. On my last day, I will think about Brooke and Muhammad,” he shared. Having an iconic athlete like Ali share such a profound moment with his child is a rare and invaluable experience, especially as it occurred early in Lampley’s broadcasting career.
