Johannesburg: According to his wish, the family of ‘People’s Champion’ Muhammad Ali has invited the whole world to his funeral, which will be streamed on the centre’s website.
‘The Greatest’ heavyweight champion, who was suffering from Parkinson’s disease and passed away on June 3 from “septic shock due to unspecified natural causes,” will be bid adieu in a public service at the KFC Yum! Centre in Louisville, Kentucky on June 10, reports Channel 24.
Family spokesperson Bob Gunnell said that his last rites will be a celebration, which will “reflect his devotion to all races, religions, and backgrounds,” adding “entire Ali family invite everyone to join them for the celebration.”
It is being reported that his family will hold a private ceremony the day before and he will be buried at Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville.
Gunnell further said that the interfaith memorial service was personally planned by the three time world heavyweight champion years ago.
He noted, “All family members were having a tough time. They had a full day to say farewell to Muhammad. All family members. All daughters and his son were in attendance and his wife. They were able to get quality time with him to say their final goodbyes. It was a solemn moment. The champ would have been very proud of his family.”
Meanwhile, it is also being reported that the former US President Bill Clinton will deliver a eulogy and comedian Billy Crystal and sports journalist Bryant Gumbel are also expected to speak.(ANI)