Ali's legacy to live in his hometown

Angelo Dundee was back in Muhammad Ali's corner.

The famed trainer visited Ali's hometown on Friday for a firsthand look at a six-story center built to promote Ali's humanitarian work and relive his boxing triumphs.

Dundee still affectionately calls Ali "the kid" _ decades after the two teamed to make boxing history. Dundee said the center was a fitting tribute to a man he considers the greatest heavyweight fighter.

"This kid deserves anything good that happens to him," Dundee said. "He's such a good guy. He's just the nicest human being you want to meet."

Several of those closest to the three-time champion gathered to discuss Ali and his legacy on the eve of an opening celebration for the &to=http://english.pravda.ru/sport/' target=_blank>Muhammad Ali Center. The lineup of guests on Saturday will include President Clinton, Jim Carrey and Angelina Jolie.

The center will open to the public on Monday, though work is continuing.

The 63-year-old Ali, getting his first look at the center in months, posed for pictures and looked at exhibits on Friday. He was accompanied by wife Lonnie and singer-actor Kris Kristofferson.

Ali, who has &to=http://english.pravda.ru/sport/2005/11/04/66963.html' target=_blank>Parkinson's disease and recently underwent back surgery, was not available to reporters.

Lonnie Ali said the center is envisioned as a "global gathering place" to promote peace and tolerance, and to inspire people to reach their potential.

"The Ali Center will enable Muhammad to pass the torch of his life's work on to future generations, to help carry those ideals to the future," she said.

She said her husband didn't want the center to be about him or his boxing career.

There are exhibits that show him in his prime, firing jabs and sending opponents to the canvass. But the center is much more than a replay of Ali's brilliant fighting career.