Ali returning home to Louisville for 70th birthday

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky — The Muhammad Ali Center is planning a 70th birthday bash for the former heavyweight champion in his hometown of Louisville.

STILL UP. In this Nov. 14, 2011 file photo, former boxing champion Muhammad Ali leaves after a memorial service for boxing legend Joe Frazier at the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia. AP FILE Photo

The party will highlight a series of events in Ali’s hometown to mark his 70th birthday on Jan. 17.

Ali plans to attend the Jan. 14 private birthday party that will include dinner, entertainment and speeches. Ali Center spokeswoman Jeanie Kahnke said Saturday that Ali will be surrounded by old friends, including longtime trainer Angelo Dundee.

Kahnke said Ali and his wife, Lonnie, are looking forward to returning for the celebration. They have homes in Arizona, Michigan and Louisville.

A series of community events begins Jan. 15. The Ali Center is a cultural and education center that also includes a museum focusing on Ali’s career as a boxer and humanitarian.