Muhammad Ali: Thousands expected at memorial service on Friday
Tuesday 7 June 2016 13:43, UK
Thousands are expected to pay tribute to the late and great Muhammad Ali at his memorial service.
The three-time heavyweight world champion's passing will be marked by family and friends on Thursday, before a huge, emotional funeral service on the Friday, including fans and the world's press.
Ali's family friends say it has been planned for 10 years and the streets of Louisville, Kentucky, are expected to be lined in huge numbers.
Thursday's memorial will be a public Muslim ritual, with representatives insisting there is no political agenda.
It will take place at the Freedom Hall, in downtown Louisville, where 'The Greatest' made his professional debut, out-pointing Tunney Hunsaker on October 29, 1960.
Then on Friday, Ali will be carried by rest by eight pallbearers. Six close friends and members of his family will be joined by former undisputed world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis and actor Will Smith, who played Ali in the 2001 film of his life.
Other famous former fighters are expected to attend, along with former USA presidents and heads of state from other countries.
Sky Sports News HQ's Craig Slater will be bring you updates from Louisville. Click play at the top of the article.
