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London 2012

London 2012: Muhammad Ali to take part in opening ceremony?

The boxing legend is in London to present an award tonight, sparking speculation that he may take part in Friday’s opening.

ONE OF THE all-time great Olympians, boxer Muhammad Ali, is expected to take part in Friday’s opening ceremony for London 2012.

The 70-year-old is being lined up as one of a host of sporting superstars who could collaborate for the ceremony’s finale, according to reports in the British media this morning.

Ali, who won boxing gold in Rome in 1960, was responsible for one of the most poignant moments in the Games history when he battled against Parkinson’s Disease to light the Olympic cauldron at Atlanta 1996.

David Beckham, Michael Jordan, Steve Redgrave, Nadia Comaneci and Mark Spitz are among the star names to be linked with the symbolic moment.

Ali is in London to present an award alongside Beckham tonight, sparking speculation that he might be added in a massive coup for organisers.

“The idea is to get a parade of stars for the opening ceremony and Ali would undoubtedly be the greatest star of all,” a source told the Mirror.

“There is a question mark over him purely because of his health. He is frail, but would love to be involved.”

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