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| Lennox Lewis (left) and Will Smith (right) have been named as pallbearers |
Actor Will Smith and British boxer Lennox Lewis are to carry Muhammad Ali’s coffin at his funeral on Friday, it has been announced.
The Hollywood star, 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.
Ali’s coffin arrived in Louisville on Sunday aboard a private plane, accompanied by his wife and other relatives.
On the morning of the funeral, the casket will be paraded through the streets of Louisville, so fans from around the world can say goodbye.
California imam Zaid Shakir will preside over the ceremony, in line with Muslim tradition.
Skynews----.daylight.ng
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