数千人参加拳王阿里的葬礼

Thousands of people -- black and white, Muslims and Jews, old and young -- packed Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky Thursday for a traditional Muslim funeral for Muhammad Ali.

The boxing legend, who was known by billions around the world, died last week at age 74 after a long fight against Parkinson's disease.

His service was held in the same place in Ali's hometown where he fought his first professional match in 1960 shortly after his gold medal triumph at the Summer Olympics in Rome.

Worshippers and admirers called Ali the true face of Islam -- one that promotes peace and tolerance of people of all faiths.

Ali will be remembered again Friday at a public interfaith memorial service in Louisville.