Louisville International Airport to be named after Muhammad Ali

Louisville International Airport will be undergoing a name change, as the airport board has decided to name it after legendary heavyweight boxer Muhammad Ali.

The airport will now be named Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, but its location identifier will remain SDF.

Ali, a Louisville native, died in 2016 after a long battle with Parkinson's syndrome. He was 56-5 in his professional boxing career, and many consider him the greatest heavyweight in history.

“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," widow Lonnie Ali said in a statement. "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.”

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer cited Muhammad Ali's name recognition being more known than the city where he was born as a factor in the name change.