Boxing legend Ali begins UK tour

Ali's health has deteriorated in recent years

Sports fans are expected to flock to see Muhammad Ali as he begins a two-week charity fundraising UK stay.

Ali, 69, and his wife Lonnie are due in Windsor, Berkshire, to watch the Alltech FEI European Jumping and Dressage Championships later.

He will appear at dinners in his honour in Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent, London and also Dublin in the next fortnight.

Ali's spokesman said the former world heavyweight champion's Parkinson's disease may prevent further UK trips.

He has suffered from illness since 1984.

Ali will be raising money for the charities he supports including his cultural centre in his home town of Louisville, Kentucky.

His last UK visit was several years ago. He said: "The UK is very close to my heart.

'Wonderful country'

"I want to visit again not only to raise awareness and funds for the Muhammad Ali Centre, but also to revisit such a wonderful country and to all my friends and fans here."

In 1963, Ali came to London for his first overseas professional fight.

After beating Henry Cooper, he went on to become boxing's first three-time heavyweight champion.

Ali will appear at Old Trafford in Manchester on 26 August, the Britannia Stadium in Stoke-on-Trent the following day and London's Wembley Stadium on 30 August.

Fans have snapped up £200 entry tickets, while the opportunity to meet their hero is being offered for £1,250.