Muhammad Ali family set for solemn trip home

The family of boxing legend Muhammad Ali prepared to accompany his body on the journey back to his hometown Louisville, ahead of a public funeral procession and service expected to draw huge crowds in honour of “The Greatest.”

Former US President Bill Clinton and comedian Billy Crystal are among those due to speak on Friday at a memorial in a huge arena in the Kentucky city where Ali — a three-time world heavyweight champion — grew up and threw his first punches.

The charismatic Ali, a dazzling fighter and outspoken civil rights activist who became one of the 20th century’s most towering figures, died on Friday at age 74 after health problems complicated by a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

“Our hearts are literally hurting. But we are happy daddy is free now,” one of Ali’s nine children, daughter Hana, wrote on Twitter.

It was not immediately clear when they would travel. A family spokesman did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said that the city — whose residents have left flowers, balloons and tributes at Ali’s childhood home — was ready for a massive celebration to honor its most famous son.

The procession has been organised to “allow anyone that is there from the world to say goodbye,” family spokesman Bob Gunnell told reporters.