Mohammed Ali's
coffin arrived in Louisville on Sunday aboard a private plane, accompanied by
his wife and other relatives.
Hollywood Actor Will
Smith and British boxer Lennox Lewis are to carry Muhammad Ali's coffin at his
funeral on Friday, it has been announced.
Will Smith, who was
nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Ali in the
2001 film of the same name, will be among eight pallbearers at the boxing
legend's funeral.
Carrying the coffin
alongside Smith and Lennox - Britain's former world heavyweight champion - will
be Ali's cousins John Grady and Jan Wadell, nephew Ibn Ali, former
brother-in-law Komawi Ali and family friend John Ramsey.
Among those also named was
Jerry Ellis, the brother of Jimmy Ellis, Ali's former sparring partner and
fellow world heavyweight champion.
Thousands are expected to
turn out for the public memorial in Ali's hometown of Louisville, Kentucky
later this week.
The president
of Turkey and the king of Jordan will be among speakers, while former US
president Bill Clinton will deliver a eulogy, according to organisers.
His widow,
Lonnie Ali, daughter Maryum Ali and comedian Billy Crystal will also address
the service for the three-time world heavyweight champion, who died last Friday
aged 74. The guest list is likely to mean security will be extra tight for the
star-studded memorial.
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