Ali scripted funeral plans in exacting detail in 'The Book'

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Muhammad Ali and his innermost circle started a document years ago that grew so thick they began calling it "The Book."

Its contents soon will be revealed. In the pages, the boxing great planned in detail how he wished to say goodbye to the world.

"The message that we'll be sending out is not our message -- this was really designed by The Champ himself," said Timothy Gianotti, an Islamic studies scholar who for years helped to plan the services.

"The love and the reverence and the inclusivity that we're going to experience over the coming days is really a reflection of his message to the people of planet Earth."

The 74-year-old three-time heavyweight champion wanted the memorial service in an arena. He wanted multiple religions to have a voice while honoring the traditions of his Muslim faith. And he wanted ordinary fans to attend, not just VIPs.

He was never downcast when talking about his death, said Bob Gunnell, an Ali family spokesman. He recalled Ali's own words during meetings planning the funeral: "It's OK. We're here to do the job the way I want it. It's fine."

The final revisions were made days before Ali died Friday at an Arizona hospital, his family by his side.

For years, the plan was to have Ali's body lie in repose at the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Gunnell said. That tribute was dropped at the last minute because his wife, Lonnie, worried it would cause the center to be shut down and knew people would want to gather there in grief.

In its place, a miles-long procession was added that will carry Ali's body across his beloved hometown. It will drive past the museum built in his honor, along the boulevard named after him and through the neighborhood where he grew up, raced bicycles and shadowboxed down the streets.

In a city accustomed to capturing the world's attention for just two minutes during the Kentucky Derby each year, Ali's memorial service Friday looms as one of the most historic events in Louisville's history. Former presidents, heads of nations from around the globe, movie stars and sports greats will descend upon the city to pay final respects to The Louisville Lip.

Former president Bill Clinton, a longtime friend, will deliver the eulogy at the funeral at the KFC Yum! Center, where the 15,000 seats are likely to be filled.

Other speakers will include representatives of multiple faiths, including Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism and Mormonism. Some are lifelong friends; others Ali simply admired.

Rabbi Michael Lerner was in his office at his home in Berkeley, California, on Sunday morning when, out of the blue, Ronald DiNicola, president of Muhammad Ali Enterprises, called and invited him to speak at the funeral.

He and the other faith leaders will be followed by Ali's wife; daughter Maryum Ali; actor Billy Crystal; and sportscaster Bryant Gumbel. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and King Abdullah II of Jordan had been scheduled to speak but lost their speaking spots because two other speakers will be added later, Gunnell said.