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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.

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Obama: Ali 'more influential than just about anyone'

Muhammad Ali was "bigger, brighter and more original and influential than just about anyone of his era," President Obama said in a tribute read by his Senior Advisor Valarie Jarrett.

Ms Jarrett added that Mr and Mrs Obama were not able to be at the memorial service with "deepest regret", as they are at the graduation of their daughter.

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