On Friday, June 10, the funeral for Muhammad Ali will take place in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Notable names that are set to eulogize him are Bryant Gumbel, Billy Crystal (who once did a one-man show about "15 rounds" in the life of Muhammad Ali) and Bill Clinton. This comes in addition to the massive outpouring we've already seen from scores of famous names who've paid their tribute to Ali through social media, including President Barack Obama. The funeral will be open to the public to pay their respects. If you can't make it, you can catch the streamed version online.
After the service, a procession will take place and will transport Ali's body through his old neighborhood before laying him to rest at the nearby Cave Hill Cemetery. The family's spokesman, Bob Gunnell, said the procession will "allow anyone that is there from the world to say goodbye."
Ali was born Cassius Clay in Louisville on January 17, 1942. He took up boxing as a 12-year-old after a local cop (who doubled as a boxing coach) told him he should try it to get even with a thief that stole his bike. That (possible joke?) turned out to be pretty damn good advice as he went on to worldwide fame, winning a gold medal at the 1960 Olympics and being crowned heavyweight champion of the world three separate times.
At the young age of 42, Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, possibly caused by the 29,000 estimated punches he took to the head. His health continued to decline as he got older, though he did his best to remain active.
Just after 9 P.M. this past Friday evening, the 74-year-old died in Scottsdale, Arizona as the result of septic shock. He was hospitalized the day before with a respiratory illness.
