The remains of boxing great, icon and legend, Muhammad Ali, were finally laid to rest, at the Cave Hill Cemetery, in Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America, without President Barack Obama attending.
Witnessed by over 10,000 people, including former U.S. President, Bill Clinton, Obama, instead sent a representative – Valerie Jarrett, said to be one of his closest aides. And opted to attend Malia, his eldest daughter’s high school graduation!
President Obama is married to his childhood sweetheart, Michelle and they are blessed with two children – Malia and Sasha.
Shouts of ‘Ali…Ali…’ greeted the renowned boxer as the casket bearing him made the rounds, and stopping over at some key spots.
Islamic clerics, alongside Kevin Cosby, a pastor in Louisville, officiated at the service which public memorial began around 3pm, American time.
Aged 74, Ali died on Friday after a brave battle with the Parkinson’s disease.
Besides Clinton, the other dignitaries who stepped out to bid him a final good bye were comedian Billy Crystal, sports journalist, Bryant Gumbel, daughter of rights activist, Malcolm X, Attallah Shabazz and from his family – his wife, Lonnie and daughters – Maryum and Rasheda.
Celebrity actor, Will Smith and former boxer, Lennox Lewis were also not just there, but among the pall bearers.