Mohamed Ali: A Legendary Boxer Immortalized on Postage Stamps
The United States Postal Service (USPS) will honor the memory of the iconic boxer Muhammad Ali with the issuance of two commemorative stamps. These stamps will be available starting January 15, marking a tribute to a sports legend and a symbol of the fight for civil rights.
The official launch ceremony will be held in Louisville, Kentucky, the hometown of the three-time world heavyweight champion, born as Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. in 1942, as reported by the Mohamed Ali Cultural Center.
A Tribute to His Legacy
The stamps feature an image of Ali with his gloves in a guard position, accompanied by his last name “ALI” in red or black letters, depending on the version. The USPS has printed 22 million “Forever” stamps, which are permanently valid for first-class mail delivery.
Ali used to joke that one day he would be a postage stamp, because that way “someone could give him a once-over”.
Mohamed Ali
An Unforgettable Race
Mohamed Ali culminated his professional career with an impressive record of 56 victories and only five defeats. He was crowned world heavyweight champion in 1964, 1974 and 1978, solidifying his place as an emblematic and charismatic figure in the history of boxing.
Beyond the ring, Ali became a fervent advocate for civil rights, promoting peace and acting as a cultural ambassador globally. In 1998, he was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace, and in 2005, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States.
A Global Icon
The Mohamed Ali Cultural Center highlighted that, in an era when African Americans were fighting to be heard, the boxer raised his voice with courage, defying established norms and becoming a symbol of dignity, justice, and freedom.
In his later years, affected by Parkinson’s, Ali reduced his public appearances, but his cultural influence and legacy continued to grow, solidifying him as a universal icon that transcended sport.
