Thousands bid boxing legend Ali farewell

Two days of ceremonies bidding a poignant last farewell to Muhammad Ali got underway Thursday in his American hometown with thousands attending a Muslim prayer service for the late boxing legend.

Ali’s native city of Louisville in Kentucky is hosting a series of interfaith tributes bringing together VIPs and huge crowds of ordinary fans in remembering one of the indelible figures of the 20th century.

The three-time heavyweight world champion, adored for both his remarkable boxing career and his bold civil rights activism, died last week at age 74 after a decades-long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Thursday’s 30-minute prayer service was held at Louisville’s Freedom Hall arena, the site of Ali’s last fight in his hometown, where he defeated Willi Besmanoff on November 29, 1961.

Muslims in attendance were asked to remain standing during the service, held in presence of Ali’s casket.

“The service is a traditional Muslim funeral,” said Imam Zaid Shakir, who helped organize it.

“Muhammad Ali has a very, very special significance for the Muslim community,” he said.

For millions of Muslims around the world, Ali symbolized the true face of Islam, promoting peace and tolerance.

On Friday morning, a funeral procession will wind through the city of 600,000, passing sites that were important to Ali: his childhood home, the Ali Centre, the Centre for African American Heritage – which focuses on the lives of blacks in Kentucky – and, of course, along Muhammad Ali Boulevard before arriving at the cemetery for a private burial.

Actor Will Smith – who earned an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Ali on the silver screen – and former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis will be among the pallbearers.

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