Advertisement

  1. National

Heartfelt tributes paid to boxer Muhammad Ali at emotional memorial service

Thousands of people have said a final farewell to Muhammad Ali at a emotional memorial service in his home town of Louisville.

The 74-year-old heavy weight champion was hailed as "the living, breathing embodiment of the greatest we can be" and remembered for being "bigger, brighter and more original and influential than just about anyone of his era" as a packed audience gathered to pay their respects to the sporting legend.

View all 69 updates ›

Mike Tyson to be a pallbearer at Muhammad Ali's funeral

Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali at the Bellagio ll K-1 Tournament in Las Vegas in 2004 Credit: PA

Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson has been added as a late addition to the pallbearers at Muhammad Ali's funeral later today.

The 49-year-old boxer will join British former Heavyweight rival Lennox Lewis, A-list Hollywood actor Will Smith, and Ali's relatives to carry the coffin of "the greatest" to his final resting place in his home city of Louisville.

Tyson had been concerned about whether he could handle the emotion of the service and also if he could be excused from prior work commitments, but flew to the Kentucky city from Las Vegas today, Ali family spokesman Bob Gunnell said.

World leaders and celebrities will join the boxing great's fans and loved ones at an 18,000-strong service at the KFC Yum! Centre at 2pm local time (7pm BST).

The ceremony will be broadcast to millions of viewers around the world - follow updates here.

  1. Read more
  2. 69 updates
Heartfelt tributes paid to boxer Muhammad Ali at emotional memorial service

More on this story