Muhammad Ali cheered at 70th birthday bash in Ky.

By BRUCE SCHREINER | Associated Press – 2 mins 38 secs ago

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Dozens of guests have gathered in Louisville to celebrate Muhammad Ali's 70th birthday with the boxing champ.

As about 350 people mingled in a lobby of the Muhammad Ali Center in Ali's hometown, he walked out to a second-floor balcony overlooking them. The crowd began to clap and chant his name and then sang "Happy Birthday." Ali, who is battling Parkinson's disease, leaned against a rail and raised his right hand to wave to the crowd. Those gathered then headed into a banquet hall where the party was taking place.

Among the notable guests is University of Kentucky men's basketball coach John Calipari. He said that he grew up as a fan of Ali's and loved the boxer because of his confidence.

Rocker John Mellencamp was scheduled to entertain the crowd. Ali turns 70 on Tuesday.

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