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After his death in 2016, tens of thousands of people flocked to
the streets to see Ali’s funeral procession. World leaders,
athletes and celebrities came to Louisville to pay their
respects to the boxing legend known as “The Greatest.”
“For one remarkable week, the eyes of the world turned on our
city,” former Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said. “More than
100,000 people lined the streets during the procession, holding
hands and chanting ‘Ali! Ali!’ You could hear it all over the
city.”
Ali, who grew up in a modest, two-bedroom west Louisville home,
became one of the world’s most famous athletes, winning the
heavyweight title three times, along with an Olympic gold medal.
“The world knew Muhammad as ‘The Greatest,’ but those of us who
knew Muhammad understood something much deeper,” Lonnie Ali said
Wednesday during the hourlong event. “His greatness did not come
from what he achieved for himself. His greatness came from the
way he treated those around him and how he uplifted them.”
Former President Bill Clinton and actor Billy Crystal spoke at
Ali’s funeral, and Will Smith, who portrayed Ali in a 2001
movie, was a pallbearer.
The outpouring of love for Ali at his hometown funeral service
was livestreamed to millions around the world. Earlier this
year, Ali’s face graced a U.S. Postal Service stamp for the
first time, showing his enduring influence.
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