Cheering crowd gathers to mark boxing legend Ali’s 70th birthday
As about 350 people mingled in a lobby of the Muhammad Ali Centre in Ali’s home town, he walked out to a second-floor balcony overlooking them. The crowd clapped chanted his name and then sang Happy Birthday.
Ali, who is battling Parkinson’s disease, leaned against a rail and raised his right hand to wave to the crowd. Those gathered then headed into a banquet hall where the party was taking place.
Among the notable guests was University of Kentucky men’s basketball coach John Calipari. He said he grew up as a fan of Ali’s and loved the boxer because of his confidence.