Muhammad Ali's funeral to be watched worldwide by billions

The veteran boxer's funeral will take place in his home town of Louisville, Kentucky on Friday

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali's final journey will be witnessed by worldwide audience of billions, making it one of the biggest events in TV history.

The three-time world heavyweight champion's funeral will take place in his home town of Louisville, Kentucky, on Friday, where flags have been flying at half-mast since his death was announced.

The procession will pass the Muhammad Ali Centre, travel along Muhammad Ali Boulevard and through his former neighbourhood. It will end at Cave Hill cemetery for a private family ceremony, reported Mirror.

"Muhammad Ali was truly the people's champion and the celebration will reflect his devotion to all races, religions, and backgrounds. Muhammad's extraordinary boxing career only encompassed half of his life. The other half was committed to sharing a message of people and inclusion with the world.

"Following his wishes, his funeral will reflect those principles and be a celebration open to everyone. Lonnie (his wife) and the entire Ali family invite everyone to join them for the celebration in Muhammad's home town of Louisville, Kentucky," Family spokesman Bob Gunnell said.

An interfaith memorial service will be held at the 20,000 capacity KFC Yum!

Gunnell said Ali's body would return to Louisville within the next 24 to 48 hours and a private family service to celebrate Ali's life will be held on Thursday.

"The service, the funeral plans were done years ago by Mr Ali who discussed them personally. All family members were having a tough time," he said.

Ali, who had battled Parkinson's disease for 32 years, died in Phoenix, Arizona, on Friday evening after being admitted to hospital with a respiratory condition on Monday.