Muhammad Ali’s Funeral Marred by Ticket Scam

Muhammad Ali’s Funeral Marred by Ticket Scam

As the world prepares for the funeral of boxing great Muhammad Ali his family have criticised ticket touts for cashing in on the service – which 15,000 people are expected to attend – by selling tickets to fans.

Tickets for the historic event were snapped up in minutes, with some selling for as much as £70.

Ali’s family have said they are “disgusted” by the practice, and have asked for people to stop trying to buy tickets. The US authorities have been alerted to the scheme.

Spokesman for the Ali family, Bob Gunnell, said: “I’m personally disgusted and amazed that someone would try to profit off of Muhammad Ali’s memorial service. “I hope that those buying tickets or trying to buy tickets would stop those efforts by not purchasing.

“Muhammad Ali wanted this to be a free event, an event that was open to all.”

Today, the final service at the KFC Yum! Centre will take place with luminaries such as former US president Bill Clinton, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan and comedian Billy Crystal. Actor Will Smith, who portrayed Ali in a 2001 biographical film, and former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis will be among the pallbearers.

US President Barack Obama and wife Michelle will miss the funeral because of their daughter Malia’s high school graduation ceremony, although they are sending a letter to be presented by White House senior adviser Valerie Jarrett – who knew Ali personally.

His casket will be paraded through the streets of Louisville, so fans can say goodbye to the three-time world heavyweight champion before a private burial at Cave Hill Cemetery.