Washington: The body of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali on Sunday arrived in his hometown Louisville in Kentucky where a public procession and memorial service will be held on Friday.
The memorial service of Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay, will be followed by a private funeral where former US president Bill Clinton will participate, Efe news reported. “Ali is now home,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer.
Ali died on Friday night at the age of 74 at a hospital in Arizona where he spent the last years of his life because the weather was more suitable for him as he was suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
Family and close friends will bid farewell to the legend in a private ceremony on Thursday in Louisville, said family spokesman Bob Gunnel on Saturday.
On Friday, there will be a procession bearing the body of the triple world boxing champion through the streets of Louisville, first around the museum and cultural centre of Ali and later through the boulevard that bears his name and then to the Cave Hill cemetery.
The burial ceremony will be private with the sole participation of his family, former US president Bill Clinton, comedian Billy Crystal and journalist Bryant Gumbel, the spokesman detailed.
On Saturday, Louisville Mayor ordered that American flags be flown at half-mast at all government buildings in the city until Ali is buried.
According to Ali’s beliefs, his burial will be led by an Imam and conducted under Muslim rites.
