America honors Muhammad Ali with 'Forever' stamps

Muhammad Ali, born as Cassius Marcellus Clay (1942 – 2016), nicknamed The Greatest en Louisville LipAli was an American boxer. Ali was named Sportsman of the Century by the sports magazine Sports Illustrated. He became world heavyweight champion three times and won a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome. Ali fought a total of 61 professional fights, of which he won 56 (37 by knockout) and lost 5 (against: Joe Frazier, Ken Norton, Leon Spinks, Larry Holmes, and Trevor Berbick). USPS releases Forever stamps on January 15, 2026.

Muhammad Ali (1942-2016)

Muhammad Ali (1942–2016), also known as “The Greatest”, was a three-time world heavyweight boxing champion. Throughout his life, he challenged the best boxers in the world—and the world itself. At a time when African Americans were fighting for a voice, he spoke his convictions loud and clear, defied all expectations, and inspired people around the world, becoming a globally celebrated cultural icon. (The image in the border shows a 1976 black-and-white photo from Associated Press in which Ali is seen smiling in a pinstripe suit, reflecting the humanitarian and cultural icon he became outside of boxing. “Ali had many facets,” said Alcalá, art director at USPS. “I felt it was important to depict him on the stamp as a boxer, but also to include a photo showing his non-boxing side.) Ali’s influence extended far beyond the boxing ring. He used his platform to advocate for peace, faith, and justice and grew into a global symbol of courage and compassion. His humanitarian work spanned continents—he supported emergency medical relief, fed the hungry, and stood up for people in need.

In 1998, he was appointed a UN Peace Envoy, and in 2005, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor of the United States. In that same year, Muhammad and his wife, Lonnie, founded the Muhammad Ali Center in his birthplace, Louisville. (The stamp design by Antonio Alcalá, art director at USPS, shows Ali in an iconic boxing stance, perfectly capturing his intense fighting style. The striking typography is reminiscent of classic boxing posters and the globally known cry: 'Ali! Ali! Ali!'). Muhammad Ali's life was marked not only by his victories, but also by his conviction, generosity, and unwavering belief in the power of love and humanity. His spirit continues to inspire people all over the world, and his legacy lives on as “The Greatest”.  

Asking for a stamp

Muhammad Ali had previously requested a stamp, given his quote on this sheet. Ten years after his death, USPS finally succeeded. The Muhammad Ali stamps were issued on January 15, 2026, in Louisville, Kentucky, his birthplace.