KARACHI: Boxing legend Muhammad Ali and former England football Captain David Beckham are likely to play a role in the London opening ceremony.

The London Olympic opening ceremony will feature a series of big names and Ali and Beckham are expected to be part of the star-studded event.

Ali famously lit the Olympic flame in Atlanta Olympic 1996 while Beckham however, not part of Team GB has been promised a significant role at the Games by London 2012 Chairman Lord Coe.

According to sources, Ali has been asked to lead a parade of sporting guests that might include Beckham and running legend Haile Gebreselassie.

“The idea is to get a parade of stars for the opening ceremony and Ali would undoubtedly be the greatest star of all,” the source revealed.

The opening ceremony, directed by Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle is a big secret. However, US basketball legend Michael Jordan, British rowing ace Sir Steven Redgrave, and several other legendary names are likely to be part of the mega spectacle.