As the nation continues to reflect on the life and legacy of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, his family continues to show extraordinary strength by giving fans and supporters an intimate glimpse into his final moments and into how they are all coping with the tremendous loss.
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Ali died last Friday night of septic shock from unspecified natural causes at a Scottsdale, Ariz., hospital not far from his home.
Also speaking will be Ali’s wife, Lonnie Ali, daughter Maryum Ali, actor Billy Crystal, sportscaster Bryant Gumbel, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and King Abdullah II of Jordan. He was the people’s champ, and he wanted the memorial service to reflect that. I don’t know, but I was not alone * Muhammad Ali dies: Who would deny the “greatest” his immortality?
Ali’s funeral will take place at a large concert and sports arena, the KFC Yum! Centre in the Kentucky city, will be open to the public and streamed live on the internet for those unable to attend.
“After a 32-year battle with Parkinson’s disease, Muhammad Ali has passed away at the age of 74”, spokesman Bob Gunnell said.
Ali once said: “I’ve always wanted to be more than just a boxer”.
FILE – Former boxer Muhammad Ali, left, hugs former U.S. President Bill Clinton as he walks onstage at the grand opening gala celebration for the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky, Nov. 19, 2005. Center in Louisville and is open to the public, will be announced Monday afternoon. As a man who never looked down on those who looked up to him, and who helped as many people as he could. Foreman was undefeated and a heavy favorite to win at the Kinshasa, Zaire championship event, but Ali shook up the world yet again with an eighth-round knockout.
They chose the venue both because it seats 18,000 and because it holds historical significance for the hometown hero.
Sports analyst and commentator Quinito Henson said in an interview, Ali put the Philippines on the world map of sports.
The plans for Ali’s memorial were made years ago, and done by Ali according to Gunnell. Mourners who can not get tickets will be able to watch a funeral procession that will drive Ali’s remains through Louisville, including along a boulevard bearing his name, to the Cave Hill Cemetery.
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Despite Muhammad Ali’s passing, one thing is certain- his legacy, The Thrilla in Manila, lives on.
