He once said, 'I should be a postage stamp, because that's the only way I'll ever get licked'

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The U.S. Postal Service honored boxing great and humanitarian Muhammad Ali with two stamps. A dedication ceremony was held in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.

"Muhammad Ali not only revolutionized boxing, he reshaped sports, fought for his beliefs, and became a symbol of courage, integrity and love" said Ronald A. Stroman, a member of the Postal Service Board of Governors and dedicating official for the stamps. "Beyond sports, his life was marked by extraordinary humanitarianism. As a global goodwill ambassador, he dedicated himself to service. He promoted peace and understanding across racial, religious and national lines. As we dedicate these stamps, we remember Muhammad as a great boxer and a man who dared to be bold and used his fame to improve humanity." 

Joining Stroman for the ceremony were Ali's widow, Lonnie Ali, the co-founder of the Muhammad Ali Center; Jacqueline Coleman, lieutenant governor of Kentucky; Craig Greenberg, mayor of Louisville; Greg Fischer, former mayor of Louisville; Gerry Bradley, president of the University of Louisville; John Ramsey and Peter Villegas, trustees of the Muhammad Ali Center; actor Jaalen Best; writer and producer Ben Watkins; and photographer Neil Leifer, whose 1965 boxing photo of Ali standing over a knocked-down Sonny Liston was called one of the greatest sports photos of the 20th century by Sports Illustrated magazine.

Bob Costas, award-winning broadcaster and author, was master of ceremonies.

By the end of his boxing career, Ali had become an inescapable cultural icon, arguably the most recognized man in the world. Outside the ring, he earned two spoken word Grammy nominations and starred on Broadway, TV and in movies. In 1990, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. At the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Ali made a dramatic surprise appearance at the opening ceremonies as he lit the Olympic caldron, reestablishing his status as a worldwide hero.

Ali's influence extended far beyond the world of sports. He used his platform to stand for peace, faith and justice, emerging as a global symbol of courage and compassion. His humanitarian work spanned continents — supporting medical relief, feeding the hungry and speaking up for those in need. In 1998, he was named a United Nations messenger of peace, and in 2005, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. That same year, Ali and his wife, Lonnie, founded the Muhammad Ali Center in his hometown of Louisville.

"We are deeply honored the Postal Service is commemorating Muhammad with an official Forever stamp. This historic recognition celebrates not only his extraordinary achievements, but the values that defined his life of courage, compassion, conviction, and an unwavering commitment to human dignity and respect," said Lonnie Ali. "

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon.

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