Louisville Airport to be renamed after boxing legend Muhammad Ali

Bradley Cullen

Louisville Airport to be renamed after boxing legend Muhammad Ali image

Jan. 17 would have been Muhammad Ali’s 77th birthday, and news that the airport in his hometown is set to be renamed after the three-time heavyweight champion comes as a fitting tribute. The new name will be Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.

Born Cassius Marcellus Clay in 1942, the self-proclaimed "Greatest of All Time" retired with a record of 56 wins, 37 coming via knockout and only 5 defeats. Ali was involved in some of the most famous fights in history from the "Rumble in the Jungle" vs. George Foreman to the "Thrilla in Manila" vs. Joe Frazier during a career that spanned 21 years.

Ali was one of the most beloved athletes on the planet and passed away in 2016 after decades of battling Parkinson's disease.

MORE: Ali in his own words — his 10 greatest quotes

“Muhammad Ali belonged to the world, but he only had one hometown, and fortunately, that is our great city of Louisville," Mayor Greg Fischer said via press release. "Muhammad became one of the most well-known people to ever walk the Earth and has left a legacy of humanitarianism and athleticism that has inspired billions of people. It important that we, as a city, further champion The Champ’s legacy, and the airport renaming is a wonderful next step."

“This is a historic day for the airport and our region,” said Jim Welch, chair of the Airport Authority Board. “By choosing to rename the airport for Muhammad Ali, a world-renowned humanitarian honored as a United Nations Messenger of Peace and an athlete honored as Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the 20th Century, we as a community are honoring his legacy and celebrating this global icon who is a fellow Louisvillian. This tells the world how proud we are to associate ‘The Greatest’ with not only our great city, but our great airport.”

MORE: 

Lonnie Ali, Muhammad's widow, added her sentiments.

“I am proud that the Louisville Regional Airport Authority and the City of Louisville are supportive of changing the name of the Louisville International Airport to reflect Muhammad’s impact on the city and his love for his hometown," Ali said. "I am happy that visitors from far and wide who travel to Louisville will have another touch point to Muhammad and be reminded of his open and inclusive nature, which is reflective of our city. Muhammad was a global citizen, but he never forgot the city that gave him his start. It is a fitting testament to his legacy.”

The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport joins a list of airports named after famous figures.

Bradley Cullen