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Boxing legend MUHAMMAD ALI and his wife LONNIE have snapped up a $1.9 million house in Jefferson County, Kentucky so the sports star can be nearer his native Louisville.

The couple currently live in Michigan and want to be closer to the Muhammad Ali Center, an educational and cultural project opened in Ali’s honour in November 2005, because travelling is becoming difficult for the 65-year-old, who has Parkinson’s disease.

MIKE FOX, president of the Muhammad Ali Center, says, “It is our understanding that at certain times of the year they intend to spend extended time in the (Louisville) community they love.”

The Alis also own a home in Phoenix, Arizona.

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Everybody has a price. Muhammad Ali’s price, apparently, is $50 million.

Ali, the retired boxer and one of the most famous faces in the world, sold 80 per cent of the marketing rights to his name and likeness for that price figure.

Ali will retain the other 20 per cent. The joint venture between Ali and CKX will be known as GOAT (Greatest of All Time), a moniker he has been using.

“This relationship with CKX will help guarantee that, for generations to come, people of all nations will understand my beliefs and my purpose,” Ali said in a press release.

“I am honored to be able to partner with CKX as they continue to grow.”

Ali, 64, and wife Lonnie will work with the company on future business ventures.

Ali suffers from Parkinson’s disease.