Boxing champ Ali to lead host of stars in Olympics opening ceremony

London, July 24 (ANI): Boxing hero Muhammad Ali has been asked to lead a parade of sporting greats that will include David Beckham and distance running legend Haile Gebrselassie in the Olympics ceremony.

"The idea is to get a parade of stars for the opening ceremony and Ali would undoubtedly be the greatest star of all," The Daily Mirror quoted a source, as saying.

"There is a question mark over him purely because of his health. He is frail, but would love to be involved. He has great affection for Britain," the source added.

The 70-year-old, who has Parkinson's disease, but is still full of incredible spirit, is poised to take centre stage at Friday's opening ceremony at the stadium in East London.

Top Hollywood actors such as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Prince Harry and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Posh and Becks are all due to attend Olympic charity events this week.

America's First Lady Michelle Obama will be at the opening night and is to meet 1,000 kids at a London event. She said the visit was a "dream come true".

Ali, who won gold at the Rome Games in 1960, will also be guest of honour at a party held at Victoria and Albert museum today. (ANI)