The body of legendary U.S. world boxing champion Muhammad Ali arrived back in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, on June 5, reports Voice of America.
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Ali’s boyhood home in Louisville, which bears a historical marker, has become the epicenter for people wishing to pay tribute to the champ. “He leaves Wednesday evening”.
Tuesday morning, Louisville leaders and an Ali family spokesman talked about a few additions to Friday’s events.
“They will be attending Malia’s high school graduation ceremony in Washington, DC”, said spokeswoman Jen Friedman. Center. Eulogists will include former President Bill Clinton, comedian Billy Crystal – who has done a masterful impression of Ali – and sports television host Bryant Gumbel.
Tributes have been paid to Ali from countless figures in sport, showbiz and politics, with President Barack Obama saying the boxing icon “fought for what was right” both inside and outside the ring.
Lonnie Ali was the fourth of Ali’s four wives.
Tickets to his memorial service at the KFC Yum! During Ali’s time in limbo, Joe Frazier ruled the boxing world, setting up three epic matches after Ali returned.
“Everything that we’re doing here was blessed by Muhammad Ali, and was requested”, said family spokesman Bob Gunnell.
Imam Zaid Shakir, who will preside over Friday’s service, explained the significance of Thursday’s “jenazah”. A public memorial is scheduled Friday.
“I can say that I’m obviously really sad but, I’ve been sad for a long time just watching my father struggling with Parkinson’s disease”, she told GMA host Robin Roberts. “I just want to be part of it”, Alcorn told AFP.
“He is the greatest of all time and this is his hometown”.
While mourning is inevitable when someone of Ali’s stature passes away, it also has served as an opportunity to celebrate his life.
Muhammad Ali and his family never seriously considered donating the boxing great’s brain for research, according to the doctor who treated him.
One thousand volunteers will be on hand to assist visitors expected from around the globe.
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Bursting onto the boxing scene in the 1960s with a brashness that threatened many whites, Ali would come to be embraced by Americans of all races for his grace, integrity and disarming sense of humor.
