MUHAMMAD Ali’s family fear they face fighting the legend’s secret love children for his £60million fortune.

A number of interested parties have already come forward to stake a claim to Ali’s legacy.

A family friend said: “The family fear that there may be more children out there and they could come ­forward to take a slice of his fortune now he has gone.

“Things could get very ugly, very quickly.

“It would be a shame to take the gloss off the public show of love and support for Ali.

“Ali was well known to have extramarital affairs.

“Two of the nine children in the family are born to women he had met while married.

“He had a weakness for women and was one of the most sought after men in the world for decades, travelling across many countries.”

The battle for the 74-year-old’s estate could begin this week if a will is lodged in court.

But any payout is likely to be delayed if it is contested and paternity tests are needed.

Ali, who was a prolific womaniser, had nine children from three ­marriages and two affairs.

Brit heavyweight boxer Joe Bugner claimed that Ali once entertained four women in a single morning.

He also had two children with two women during his marriage to Khalilah — Miya in 1972 and Khaliah in 1974.

Several others also claim that Ali was their father.

Ali’s affair with model Veronica Porsche, who later became his third wife, ended his second marriage to Belinda Boyd, known as Khalilah after he converted to Islam.

Tributes for Ali have spruing up all over Louisville, his hometown

They include Kiiursti Mensah Ali, who bears a striking resemblance to the ring hero.

Her mother Barbara Mensah is said to have had a relationship with Ali. His brother Rahman, 72, and only natural son, Muhammad Ali Jr, 43, are said to have been left out of Ali’s will.

Khalilah says the pair are deeply upset and both blame his fourth wife Lonnie Williams, 58, for freezing them out.

She rebuilt Ali’s fortune after they married in 1986 and could be the executor of his will.

Ali’s family were last night preparing to travel from his home in Arizona to his home town of Louisville, Kentucky.

Mourners in the city have been laying flowers in his memory.

Flowers have also been left at his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Daughter Hana, who at the weekend revealed the boxer’s heart carried on beating for 30 minutes after his other organs failed, yesterday posted an Instagram snap of her father joking around with pop star Prince.

Describing her father’s final moments, she said: “We all tried to stay strong and whispered in his ear, ‘you can go now. We will be OK. We love you. Thank you. You can go back to God now’.”

His son Assad Amin, adopted by Ali and Lonnie, also paid tribute to his father on social media.

He said: “You’ve shown me how to be brave and courageous in situations beyond my belief!

“You’ve taught me so much the last 25 years — things that will forever be imprinted in my soul.

“I’m able to sit here and write this post without falling apart because I honestly know you are in a greater place.

“No one will ever touch this earth the way you did.

“God has come down and took (sic) back one of his kings!”

Ali’s grandson Nico Ali Walsh said: “Love you poppy, see you again.”

Another grandson Biaggio Ali Walsh said: “You taught us family is everything.

“You are in a better place now.

“Rest in peace Poppy.

“Greatest to ever live.”