A procession through Louisville will be followed by a eulogy from former president Bill Clinton as "The Greatest" is laid to rest.
In Louisville, Kentucky, Muhammad Ali's presence is felt everywhere.
On the wall of TKO Gym, a mural captures his inimitable stance and towering physique.As we open the door, a bright light beams through the gap. Inside, it's bustling with young boxers.
Two eight-year-old boys are sparring in the ring.
They look deeply serious - earnest eyes and burning passion. They tell me Ali is their inspiration.
They, too, want to be professional boxers and they train here five days a week.
"They can't all be champions," he says, "but they can be world class citizens."
The brother of Jimmy Ellis, Muhammad Ali's sparring partner, is also here.
He will be a pallbearer, sharing his duties among others, with former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis and actor Will Smith. I ask him how he think he'll feel.
"It's a blessing," he replies, "I can't tell you how emotional I will be. I feel honoured."
A long procession starting at 9am will carry Ali's body along the street named after him.
Thousands will attend and the buses are already shipping people in. The digital displays which normally show the route number read "The Greatest".
Muhammad Ali's boxing dream began almost by accident. His bike was stolen and he wanted to find the thief and teach him a lesson.
But legend has it, a police officer told him: "You better learn to box first."
On the eve of his funeral, hundreds of bicyclists descended on his boyhood home, paying a two-wheeled tribute to his story. "Ali, Ali" they shouted as they pedalled by.
Muhammad Ali was a pacifist, an ambassador for his faith and unrivalled in the ring.
Today, former President Bill Clinton will deliver a eulogy at a multi-faith service.
His family have welcomed the world to come and say goodbye to a unifying, charismatic figure who transcended sport.
Back at his house, hordes of visitors from across the world are getting a chance to look inside the four walls where he grew up.
The three-time world heavyweight champion will be laid to rest at Cave Hill Cemetery, alongside other historic figures. He's been planning this day for a decade - a showman with a message, in life, as in death.
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