Louisville International Airport has been renamed after arguably, the world’s greatest heavyweight boxing champion, Muhammad Ali. The new name is Muhammad Ali International Airport.
"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," Louisville mayor Greg Fischer said in a statement. "It is important that we, as a city, further champion The Champ's legacy, and the airport renaming is a wonderful next step."
Ali, an Olympic gold medallist and three-time world heavyweight boxing champion, was named Sportsman of the 20th Century by Sports Illustrated. But he ultimately became known for his civil rights and humanitarian work as much as for his time in the ring. Ali was presented with the Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush in 2005. He died in 2016.
A Tennessee councilwoman has also launched a proposal for Nashville International Airport to be renamed after Oprah Winfrey, according to Travelmole. Winfrey got her first break at a Nashville TV station before becoming a household name globally. The airport would be called The Oprah G. Winfrey Nashville International Airport.
The Nashville Airport Authority has, however, rejected the proposal, saying the name change does not meet the requirements stipulated in its name change policies for facilities. The airport can only be named after an individual who has been dead for at least two years
