Procession, public funeral at home town

 Muhammad Ali's hometown of Louisville will honour the former boxing champion on Friday with a procession through the Kentucky city and public funeral at a sports arena, a tribute befitting a local hero who achieved global stature as a humanitarian.

The public service for Ali, one of the most celebrated figures of the 20th century whose death brought accolades from around the world, will feature eulogies by former President Bill Clinton, broadcaster Bryant Gumbel and comedian Billy Crystal, family spokesman Bob Gunnell said on Saturday.

The body of the former prize fighter was expected to be returned within the next two days to Louisville, where flags were lowered at city hall in his honor.