Louisville International Airport to be renamed after Muhammad Ali

Louisville International Airport is changing its name in honor of legendary heavyweight boxer and humanitarian Muhammad Ali.

City officials announced Wednesday that the airport will be renamed Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, according to Billy Kobin of the Louisville Courier Journal. The airport's International Air Transport Association code, SDF, will not change.

"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."

Along with the name change, officials also plan to incorporate Ali's name and likeness into the airport's marketing and branding efforts.