Smith portrayed Ali in the 2001 movie “Ali“, and was nominated for an Oscar for his performance.
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Ali, who died at the age of 74 after a 32-year battle with Parkinson’s disease, became a mentor to Smith as he channeled Ali for the Michael Mann-directed flick, Ali.
Will Smith will join boxer Lennox Lewis and family members among the pallbearers at Muhammad Ali’s funeral on Friday (10Jun16).
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and comedian Billy Crystal were among those previously announced as participating in public events as the world grieves the loss of the boxer, showman and antiwar activist who captivated global attention in the 1960s and 1970s.
Ali followed a decade of the champion athlete’s life starting in 1964, which included his heavyweight title fight against Sonny Liston and being banished from the sport following criticism of the Vietnam War.
Official events start with a private ceremony on Thursday, followed by an Islamic service for the public at Freedom Hall, the site of Ali’s last professional fight in Louisville, where he defeated Willi Besmanoff on November 29, 1961. His body was returned to Louisville by private plane on Sunday.
Friday’s memorial service will be open to the general public with tickets available at the arena’s box office starting Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. ET.
The route will include a boulevard bearing Ali’s name on the way to the Cave Hill Cemetery.
Muhammad Ali pictured smiling with his daughter Hana.
California imam Zaid Shakir will preside over the ceremony, in line with Muslim tradition.
Islamic studies scholar Timothy Gianotti told reporters in Louisville the funeral “was really designed and intended by the champ himself to be his last statement to the people of planet Earth”.
Finally, Laila Ali appeared on CBS Morning News on Monday (June 6) to talk about her father’s enduring legacy.
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“He wanted everyone to be able to attend”.
