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The U.S. Postal Service will issue a “Forever Stamp” to Muhammad Ali

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Muhammad Ali once joked that he should be a postage stamp because “that’s the only way I’ll get licked.”

Now the three-time heavyweight champion’s joke is becoming a reality.

Widely considered the most famed and influential boxer of all time and a cultural force who combined athletic brilliance with political conviction and showmanship, Ali was honored for the first time with a commemorative U.S. postage stamp.

“As the guardian of his legacy, I am delighted. Excited. I am delighted,” Lonnie Ali, the champion’s wife of almost 30 years, told The Associated Press. “Because every time people look at this badge, they will remember it. And it will be at the center of their consciousness. For me, that’s a thrill.”

The ring-fighting and compassionate Muhammad Ali died in 2016 at the age of 74 after living with Parkinson’s disease for over thirty years. During his life and posthumously, the man known as The Greatest received numerous awards, including the 1960 Olympic Gold Medal, the 1998 United Nations Messenger of Peace Award, and the 2005 Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Lonnie Ali said having his face on the stamp was especially meaningful because it was a chance to highlight his mission to spread compassion and connect with people.

“He did it one at a time,” she said. “It’s a great way to connect with people, send them a letter, and employ that stamp to amplify your message in a connected life.”

A stamp for public unveiling

The ceremony for the first day of the Muhammad Ali Forever stamp is scheduled for Thursday in Louisville, Kentucky, the birthplace of the famed boxer and home of the Muhammad Ali Center, which showcases his life and legacy. That’s when people can buy Muhammad Ali Forever Stamps featuring a 1974 black-and-white Associated Press photo of Ali in his famed boxing pose.

Each sheet of 20 stamps also features a photo of Ali posing in a pinstripe suit, paying tribute to his work as an activist and humanitarian. Twenty-two million stamps were printed. U.S. Postal Service officials said once they sell out, they won’t be reissued. The stamps are expected to generate great interest from collectors and non-collectors alike.

Because these are Forever stamps, first-class mail will always remain valid, which Lonnie Ali calls the “ultimate” tribute.

“It will be a forever stamp from the post office,” she said. “This is just one of those things that will be part of his legacy and one of the shining stars of his legacy that will receive this stamp.”

Creating a historical stamp

Lisa Bobb-Semple, director of USPS stamp services, said the idea for the Muhammad Ali stamp came shortly after his death, almost a decade ago. But the process of developing a badge is long. The USPS requires that people appearing on stamps must have been dead for at least three years, with the exception of presidents.

While USPS was working behind the scenes on the stamp, Ali’s friend helped launch the #GetTheChampAStamp campaign, which sparked public interest in the idea.

“We’re really excited that the stars aligned to make the stamp happen,” said Bobb-Semple, who initially had to keep Ali’s planned stamp a secret until it became official. “It’s a product we’ve always wanted to bring to market.”

Members of the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee, appointed by the postmaster general, are responsible for selecting who and what appears on the stamps. They meet quarterly with Bobb-Semple and her team to review suggestions submitted by the public. About 20–25 commemorative stamps are usually issued each year.

Once a stamp idea is selected, Bobb-Semple and her team work with one of several art directors to design the mailer. It then goes through a lengthy final approval process, including strict review by USPS legal staff, before it can be released to the public.

Antonio Alcalá, art director and designer of the Muhammad Ali stamp, said hundreds of photos were reviewed before the final decision was narrowed down to a few. Ultimately, the AP photo taken by an anonymous photographer was selected. It shows Ali in great shape, posing with boxing gloves and looking straight at the camera.

Alcalá said there is a story behind every USPS stamp.

“Postage stamps are miniature works of art designed to reflect the American experience, depicting America’s heroes, history, milestones, achievements and natural wonders,” he said. “Muhammad Ali’s stamps are a perfect example of this.”

An outspoken figure in the areas of war, civil rights and religion

Outside the ring, Ali spoke openly about his beliefs, while many black Americans were still struggling to be heard. Ali, born Cassius Clay Jr., changed his name after converting to Islam in the 1960s and spoke openly about race, religion and war. In 1967, he refused to enlist in the U.S. Army, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to the Vietnam War.

This attitude cost Ali the heavyweight title and excluded him from boxing for over three years. Convicted of conscription evasion, he was sentenced to five years in prison, but remained free while he appealed. This verdict was overturned by the United States Supreme Court in 1971, further strengthening his position as a world figure.

Later in life, Ali became a global humanitarian and used his fame to promote peace, religious understanding and charitable causes, even though Parkinson’s disease restricted his speech and movement.

Ali’s message in times of conflict

The commemorative postage stamp comes at a time of political division in the U.S. and around the world. Lonnie Ali said that if her husband were alive today, he would probably “block a lot of it out” and still be a compassionate person who interacts with people every day.

In her opinion, this approach is especially critical now.

“We need to mobilize the life of Muhammad and in some sense engage in the same acts of kindness and compassion that he did every day,” she said.

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Boxing

Jai Opetaia defeats Brandon Glanton over 12 rounds in Vegas

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Image: Opetaia Defeats Brandon ‘Bulletproof’ Glanton

In the fifth round, Opetai’s right uppercut to the head again hurt Glanton in the final minute. In the sixth round, Opetaia continued his body attack and took another round, while Glanton lost a point for holding. In the last minute of the seventh round, both fighters exchanged blows. In the eighth round, Glanton landed several low blows and lost a point from referee Allen Huggins.

In the ninth round, both fighters had their moments. Opetaia continued to work the body as Glanton ended the round with a punch to the chin. In the tenth round, Opetaia landed a right uppercut to Glanton’s body. Just when it looked like Glanton might be ready to attack, he counterattacked and landed straight into Opetai’s body.

In the eleventh round, Opetaia lost a point for holding. In the twelfth and final round, the action was still competitive at the bell.

All three judges scored the fight 119-106.

Retains Saracho Rooms

Ricardo Adan Salas stopped Jesus “Junior” Saracho at 2:05 of the eighth round of a scheduled 10-round fight.

In the first round, Salas’ last-minute shot shocked Saracho. In the second round, both had their moments in a close round. In the third round, Salas landed a pair of rights to Saracho’s chin in the final seconds and won the round.

In the last 30 seconds of the fourth round, Saracho landed a combination to the chin, but in the final seconds Salas responded with a quick attack and took the round. In the fifth round, Salas landed a right uppercut to the body that hurt Saracho midway through the round. In the last seconds, Salas landed several punches again and won the round.

In the sixth round, Salas landed a left hook to the body that hurt Saracho in the first minute, although Saracho fought well for the rest of the round. In the seventh round, Salas landed a right uppercut to the chin that hurt Saracho, and the two exchanged punches midway through the round. Salas finished the round stronger, working his body well.

In the eighth round, Salas hurt Saracho with several body blows as the referee looked ready to step in. Salas landed to the body again, hurting Saracho and forcing referee Robert Hoyle to stop the fight.

Panin stops the group

Vlad “Super Bad” Panin stopped Shinard Bunch at 2:29 of the ninth round of a scheduled 10-round fight.

It was a one-sided fight lasting eight rounds, with Panin dominating. In the ninth round, Panin landed a series of punches, forcing referee Allen Huggins to stop.

Palma defeats Rubio

Adan Palma won a split decision over Pablo “Shark” Rubio Jr. over eight innings after scoring two knockdowns.

In the third round, Palma’s left hook knocked down Rubio for eight. Moments later, Palma dropped Rubio again, landing another right to the chin. In the fourth round, Rubio fought back, although Palma’s left hook was still effective.

In the fifth round, Palma landed a pair of left hooks to the chin. Rubio responded with a combination at the bell in the close round. In the sixth round, Rubio landed several unanswered punches mid-round to even the fight.

In the eighth and final round, Rubio rallied strongly.

The scores were 76-74 for Rubio and 78-77 for Palma twice.

Juarez wins by decision

Joshua Jay Juarez defeated Jardae Anderson in eight rounds.

Juarez used his attacking style to put pressure on Anderson while also scoring points with his hand speed and power shots. The pace slowed in the second half of the fight until the final ten seconds when both fighters exchanged.

The scores were 77-75, 79-73 and 78-74.

Ramos and Perez draw

Jaycob Ramos fought Ethan Perez for most of six rounds.

Both fighters hit the canvas during the fight. In the second round, Perez dropped Ramos with a left hand for an eight count. Ramos managed to survive until the bell.

In the third round, Ramos returned the favor, dropping Perez with a right hand to get the count back to eight.

The scores were 57-55 Ramos and 56-56 twice.

Ochoa and Serrano tied

Brady Ochoa fought six rounds against Adrian Serrano to a majority draw.

The competitors fought for six rounds of competition.

The scores were 58-56 Ochoa and 57-57 twice.

Alvarado wins by decision

Emiliano Alvarado defeated Eric Rosado in six rounds.

After losing the opening round, Alvarado dropped Rosado in the second round and controlled the remainder of the fight.

All scores were 59-55.

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Shakur Stevenson only sees one winner in Canelo vs. David Benavidez: ‘I’m a fan’

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Shakur Stevenson sees only one winner in Canelo vs David Benavidez: “I’m a fan”

Shakur Stevenson gave a balanced assessment of why the fight between Canelo Alvarez and David Benavidez has not yet taken place.

Both multi-weight world champions seemed to be on a collision course at 168 pounds, with Canelo reigning as the undisputed king.

Meanwhile, Benavidez held the “interim” WBC title after becoming a two-time super middleweight world champion and awaited his mandatory shot at the full WBC title.

This opportunity, however, never materialized as Canelo continued to defend his undisputed crown against alternative opposition.

During that time, the Mexican had one-sided points victories over the likes of John Ryder and Jermell Charlo, but was widely criticized for failing to face his most formidable rival, Benavidez.

Benavidez has since won the WBC 175-pound title and now looks set to become a three-weight world champion against Gilberto Ramirez, whom he will face on May 2 for the WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles.

This may seem like a bold move, but the 29-year-old’s physique will enable him to develop into an effective 200-pound operator, while Canelo is clearly best suited at 168 pounds.

The natural size difference therefore made their clash even less likely, as Stevenson points out Joe Rogan that in his opinion this is the most significant factor.

“Benavidez is too large for Canelo. I see both sides. I love Benavidez and I’m a fan of his, so I see the ‘fight me, brother’ side.”

“But then I see Canelo’s attitude. He’s like, ‘Man, this guy regularly weighs 200 pounds. I don’t get anywhere near that weight, so I ask myself, ‘Why would I fight this guy?'”

Despite a unanimous decision loss to Terence Crawford, Canelo was promised a shot at the world championship by Turki Alalshikh in Riyad, Saudi Arabia in September this year.

Potential options include Christian Mbilli and Jose Armando Resendiz, the respective WBC and WBA champions, while the IBF and WBO super middleweight world titles remain vacant following Crawford’s retirement.

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Eddie Hearn clarifies Turkie’s shoe shine comment

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Image: Eddie Hearn explains remark about cleaning Turki Alalshikh’s shoes

“If you ask me to immaculate your shoes, I will immaculate them,” Hearn told The Stomping Ground. “But basically the reference was that I said I wasn’t too proud to know my position and the opportunities open to me.”

Over the past two years, Saudi Arabia has financed a series of major boxing events, combining several championship fights that had been stalled in customary negotiations. Matchroom-promoted fighters have appeared on a number of Riyad’s season cards during this period, including major title fights and heavyweight events featuring some of the sport’s most recognizable names.

Hearn said his approach has always been elementary. When an opportunity arises that will benefit the players and the company, the priority is to take advantage of it rather than worrying about what the moment will look like in public.

“My senior man says if you walk past a fivepence coin on the floor you’ll pick it up,” Hearn said. “If a great opportunity comes along, we make money and I enjoy it, no problem.”

Hearn added that he expects to continue working with Turki on future boxing events, despite the occasional public exchange. Several promoters now partner with Saudi-backed events, and financing has become a regular feature of the sport’s biggest fight negotiations.

“I think he enjoys working with us,” Hearn said. “He will always do what suits him and we will continue to do what suits us and our players.”

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