Louisville airport to be named after Muhammad Ali

City's mayor says renaming a wonderful step in furthering champ's legacy

Louisville city officials on Wednesday announced that the city's international airport will be named after boxer and humanitarian Muhammad Ali, the courier journal reported.

It will now be called 'Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport'.

"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. "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 is important that we, as a city, further champion The Champ's legacy," Fischer continued. "And the airport renaming is a wonderful next step."

On June 3, 2016, Louisville’s greatest son, Muhammad Ali, passed away at age 74, succumbing to his 30-year fight against Parkinson’s disease. Muhammad Ali, in his life and even in his passing, brought the world together around a message of peace, love and understanding.

The proud Louisvillian went on to become not only boxing’s greatest champion but an instrumental global ambassador and humanitarian for peace.

A petition was started for the Louisville Regional Airport Authority to rename the Louisville International Airport after Muhammad Ali on change.org on June 12 asking for at least 500 signatures before the request is sent on to the airport authorities. “His memorial service brought together people from all walks of life, rich, poor, learned, unlearned, regardless of race, colour, creed, national origin, and religion,” the petition states.

People from Louisville further stated: “Although some may see this as a simple name change, we have an opportunity to show the world our appreciation for Ali’s legacy and his life.”

This article originally appeared on courier journal.