On June 10, 2016, the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali was laid to rest in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. The funeral procession drew tens of thousands of fans, with more than 100,000 people lining the streets to pay their respects to the man widely regarded as the greatest boxer of all time.
Ali’s private burial took place at Louisville’s Cave Hill Cemetery. This solemn event was followed by a memorial service attended by numerous dignitaries, including former US President Bill Clinton. The service also saw participation from other notable figures such as actor Will Smith, who portrayed Ali in the 2001 film “Ali,” and former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis. Both Smith and Lewis, along with Ali’s family members, served as pallbearers.
Muhammad Ali passed away on June 3, 2016, at the age of 74, at his home in Arizona. He had been battling Parkinson’s disease for nearly three decades, a condition that had significantly impaired his ability to speak in his later years.
The memorial service featured tributes from several prominent figures. Valerie Jarrett, a senior aide to then-President Barack Obama, read a message from the Obamas. “Muhammad Ali was America. Muhammad Ali will always be America,” the message proclaimed.
Former President Bill Clinton, delivering a heartfelt eulogy, described Ali as “a free man of faith.” Clinton reflected, “I think he decided very young to write his own life story. He chose never to be disempowered. Not his race, not his place, not the expectations of others, whether positive or negative, would strip from him the power to write his own story.”
Ali’s widow, Lonnie Ali, offered a poignant tribute to her late husband. She said, “If Muhammad did not like the rules, he would rewrite them. His religion, his name, his beliefs were his to fashion, no matter what the cost.”
Muhammad Ali’s legacy in the boxing ring is unmatched. He defeated many top contenders, garnered numerous awards, and earned a place in history as an unforgettable champion. His impact extended beyond sports, embodying the spirit of resilience and individuality.