By Daily Sports on June 8, 2016

Muhammad Ali began crafting details of his own funeral years ago, insisting on an open and inclusive service, a family spokesman said Tuesday.

"This began with 'The Champ' a decade ago," spokesman Bob Gunnell told reporters at a news conference. "As he convened the meeting, he said, 'This is what I would like to see, this is the type of program that I would like to see, that is inclusive of everyone, where we give as many people an opportunity that want to pay their respects to me.' "

Ali also said it was important that the memorials be conducted in the Muslim tradition, Gunnell said.

The three-time heavyweight champion died Friday night at age 74 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease.

The planning for the memorials involved many people in the Louisville, Kentucky, area who were asked to sign nondisclosure agreements, Gunnell said.

The plans will begin to play out Wednesday in a series of events expected to draw thousands of friends and fans of the late boxer to his hometown of Louisville as well as reporters and dignitaries from around the world.

While organizers say they will not release a full list of dignitaries attending Friday's memorial service -- the cornerstone event -- they have said that former President Bill Clinton, actor and comedian Billy Crystal and journalist Bryant Gumbel are among those scheduled to give eulogies.

Actor Will Smith, who played the title role in the 2001 film "Ali," and former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis will be among eight pallbearers, according to organizers. (cnn.com)

•Photo shows late Muhammed Ali.

Source Daily Sports

Posted June 8, 2016

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