The United States Postal Service has paid tribute to one of sport's most iconic figures with the official unveiling of a new commemorative stamp featuring Muhammad Ali. The ceremony took place in the boxing champion's hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, on Thursday 15 January 2026.
A Hometown Tribute to 'The Greatest'
Postal officials revealed the special edition stamp, which showcases a powerful Associated Press photograph from 1974. The image captures Ali in his fighting prime, gloves raised in a classic stance. His surname, 'ALI', is printed in bold, striking red and black capital letters across the design.
Longtime broadcaster Bob Costas, who hosted the event, emphasised the significance of the location. "We honour Muhammad Ali here in his hometown, a city that shaped him and that he reshaped forever," he told the gathered crowd.
Family, Philanthropy, and a Lasting Legacy
The champ's friends and family were present to celebrate the stamp's first day of issue, which went on sale immediately after the unveiling. His widow, Lonnie Ali, offered poignant words about the stamp's symbolic journey. "This stamp will travel millions of miles, it will pass through countless hands, but it will quietly remind the world of a man who dared to believe that kindness could be powerful and that being in service to others could be heroic," she said.
The stamp sheet also includes a second photograph of Ali in a pinstripe suit, acknowledging his profound work as a global activist and humanitarian beyond the boxing ring.
From Cassius Clay to Global Icon
Born Cassius Clay Jr., the athlete changed his name after converting to Islam. He captivated the world not only with his unparalleled skill as a three-time heavyweight champion but also with his charismatic poetry and unwavering principles. Ali remained a prominent public figure after retiring from boxing, dedicating himself to philanthropy and advocating for human rights.
In a famous quip from his fighting days, Ali once suggested he belonged on a postage stamp because "that’s the only way I’ll ever get licked." The Postal Service has now made that witty prediction a reality, printing 22 million of these Forever Stamps.
Ali lived with Parkinson's disease for over thirty years before his death in 2016 at the age of 74. He is buried in Louisville. His lifetime of achievement was marked by numerous honours, including:
- An Olympic gold medal in 1960.
- The United Nations Messenger of Peace award in 1998.
- The Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005.
The new stamp serves as a small yet widespread testament to the enduring legacy of 'The Greatest', ensuring his image and spirit continue to reach every corner of the nation.
