Boxer Muhammad Ali was a legend both inside and outside the boxing ring. Now the man often called “The Greatest” is being honored with his own U.S. postage stamp.

“I’m thrilled,” Lonnie Ali told the Associated Press. Lonnie Ali was married to Muhammad Ali for almost 30 years before his death in 2016. “Because every time [people] look at that stamp, they will remember him.”

Born in Kentucky in 1942, Ali was just 18 years old when he won a gold medal in boxing at the 1960 Olympics in Rome, Italy. Four years later, he became a world heavyweight champion. He would go on to regain that title twice during his boxing career. 

Ali was a brilliant boxer, known for his quick movements in the ring. When he wasn’t boxing, he continued to attract attention with his wit, charm, and confidence. Ali became famous for using rhymes to predict his future boxing victories.

Ali was a hero to many because he was willing to stand up for what he believed in. As a Black American, he had experienced racism and mistreatment. As a famous boxer, with the world watching, Ali spoke out against this kind of injustice. He demanded to be treated with the same respect and dignity as any other American. His self-assurance inspired others to speak out against racism and for equality.

As he got older, Ali developed Parkinson’s disease. This condition makes it harder for a person to speak and move. But Ali continued to make public appearances in support of peace, justice, and equality. He died in 2016. He was 74.

It has been years since his death, but Ali remains a hero and a legend. 

Click through the slideshow for photos from Ali’s remarkable life.