Muhammad Ali On Wheaties Box

February 4, 1999 / 8:15 PM EST / AP

Boxing great Muhammad Ali, the first man to win the heavyweight title three times, is being commemorated on the Wheaties box.

General Mills Inc. said Thursday that its 12-ounce special-edition Ali Wheaties box is being offered nationwide in February to coincide with Black History month.

"Muhammad Ali is quite possibly the most recognized sports figure of our time," said Jim Murphy, Wheaties marketing manager.

Ali, self-described during his boxing career as "The Greatest," was born in Louisville, Ky., in 1942. Then named Cassius Clay Jr., he won the light heavyweight gold medal at the 1960 Olympic Games.

Four years later, he defeated Sonny Liston in the sixth round for the world heavyweight title. Following that fight, he announced that he had accepted the teachings of Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali.

Ali's career was interrupted when he was stripped of his title for refusing to register for the draft, but Ali recaptured the heavyweight crown by stopping George Foreman in 1974, and regained the title again in 1978 by defeating Leon Spinks.

After boxing, Ali became involved in numerous humanitarian efforts.

In 1996, Ali, who has Parkinson's disease, thrilled people around the world by lighting the Olympic cauldron at the opening ceremonies of the Atlanta Olympic Games.

"My career demonstrates that everyone should follow their dreams," Ali said. "Growing up in Louisville, it would have been difficult to believe that I would win the heavyweight title three times. Now, I'm honored that Wheaties has chosen to recognize me with my own box."