Muhammad Ali’s legacy continues to live on.
The iconic boxer, nicknamed “The Greatest,” has been honoured with a U.S. postage stamp. It was released on January 15, with a ceremony in Louisville, Kentucky, Ali’s hometown.
Muhammad Ali – forever ‘The Greatest’
Muhammad Ali’s career and humanitarian work ensure he will live on for generations. He was a three-time heavyweight champion, scoring memorable wins over George Foreman, Joe Frazier, and Sonny Liston. Ali had his losses, but his wins inside and outside the ring have led to his legendary status.
The stamp adorned with his image will be known as the Ali Forever Stamp, released into circulation on January 15.
The stamp’s photo will be a black-and-white 1974 Associated Press photo of Ali in a boxing pose. Each sheet of 20 stamps will also show a picture of Ali posing in a pinstripe suit. This will be in recognition of his activism and humanitarian work.
The U.S. Postal Service has revealed that 22 million stamps have been printed, and once these are sold out, they will not be reprinted.
Muhammad Ali’s widow reacts
Lonnie Ali, Ali’s widow, was married to him for nearly 30 years, and spoke to The Associated Press, exclaiming her delight:
“As sort of the guardian of his legacy, I’m thrilled. I’m excited. I’m ecstatic.
“Because people, every time they look at that stamp, they will remember him. And he will be in the forefront of their consciousness. And, for me, that’s a thrill,” said Ali.
Muhammad Ali memorably once said, he should be a postage stamp because: “That’s the only way I’ll ever get licked.”
Aside from his 1960 Olympic gold medal and his three heavyweight world titles, Ali won the United Nations Messenger of Peace award in 1998. He was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 for his humanitarian work.
He died in 2016, aged 74, after living with Parkinson’s disease for a number of years, and even in death, “The Greatest” continues to inspire.
