In honor of its 100th anniversary, Wheaties celebrates by revealing their cover athlete. They selected someone who not only has stood the test of time, but also influenced history. The long-running cereal company kicks off their limited edition “Century Box Series” with The Greatest: Muhammad Ali.
This box will be the first out of a multi-part series, releasing throughout the year. According to Pop Culture, athletes featured on the “Century Box” will be legendary athletes who’ve already been on the cover.
“No one was quite like Muhammad Ali, beyond his unrivaled prowess in the boxing ring he was also an agent for social change, racial justice, and is remembered as a civil rights icon,” Taylor Gessell, brand experience manager for Wheaties. said in a press release. “We are proud to launch our commemorative series by honoring the valiant legacy of Muhammad Ali: The Greatest of All Time.”
The world-renowned champion’s wife Lonnie Ali spoke in honor of her late husband.
“Muhammad was a man of principle and strength, he fought against discrimination and injustice in their many forms,” she said in a press release.
“He was a voice for equality and justice for all, she added. “He would be honored to be the first athlete featured on the Wheaties Century Box so that his enduring wisdom, optimism and hopes can continue to affect emerging athletes and humanitarians.”
Available this June, the cereal featuring the iconic pro boxer can be found in stores across the country. Fans can also purchase it online at Wheatie’s website.
The Story Behind Wheaties’ Legendary Cover Athlete
Highly regarded as the best boxer of all time, Ali passed away at 74 years old in 2016. Overall, his career ended with a 56-5 record. However, he won the initial 31 fights until his first loss against Joe Frazier in 1971.
As far as titles, Ali received the WBA heavyweight four times and the WBS heavyweight twice. Of course, The Greatest didn’t stop there. He went on to win “The Ring” heavyweight champion three times. Along with taking home a gold medal during the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome.
One of his most memorable quotes was during an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2001.
“It’s surprising, but I never realized why I was so famous,” Ali said.
“The name Muhammad is the most common name in the world,” he continued. “In all the countries around the world – Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon – there are more Muhammads than anything else. When I joined the Nation of Islam and became a Muslim, they gave me the most famous name because I was the champ.”
