Muhammad Ali Buys Home Near Louisville

Lonnie Ali, left, watches as her husband and former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali acknowledges the crowd gathered in this file photo from Oct. 16, 1999, at the Cobo Conference and Exhibition Center in Detroit for a luncheon honoring foster parents. Ali and his wife, have bought a $1.8 million home that will bring the three-time heavyweight boxing champ closer to his native Louisville. (AP Photo/Paul Warner-File) (Paul Warner - AP)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Muhammad Ali and his wife, Lonnie, have bought a $1.8 million home that will bring the three-time heavyweight boxing champ closer to his native Louisville.

Mike Fox, president of the Muhammad Ali Center, told The Courier-Journal that the Alis have tried to come to Louisville to visit the center every two or three months, but that travel is becoming increasingly difficult for the 65-year-old Ali, who has Parkinson's disease.

The couple own a home in Berrien Springs, Mich., that has been for sale and have a home in Phoenix.

Although it is uncertain when the Alis will move, "it is our understanding that at certain times of the year they intend to spend extended time in the community they love," Fox said.

The Alis were deeply involved in construction of the Ali Center, which is a museum and education center, and in the development of its programs.

The couple have closed on the $1,875,000 home in eastern Jefferson County, according to property records.