Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali, Monumental 10-foot Statue

Muhammad Ali (January 17, 1942 – June 3, 2016) The nation’s largest full-body statue of Muhammad Ali by Zenos Frudakis stands 10-feet tall in Lewiston, Maine. Muhammad Ali, professional boxer and social activist, is often called “The Greatest” and referred to as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time. Ali’s life was poised between the physicality of his boxing career and his opposition to fighting in the Vietnam War.

This monumental statue commemorates a key moment in boxing championship history, when in 1965, Ali is declared Heavyweight Champion in his knock-out fight against Sonny Liston in Lewiston, Maine. Extensive research has gone into the development of the sculpture—Ali’s boxing attire, shoes and gloves are sculpted from the exact styles he wore in the fight.

Created by renowned Philadelphia-based sculptor Zenos Frudakis, the statue captures a young Ali in a moment of poised triumph and courage, standing as a tribute not only to his boxing legacy but also to his enduring social impact.

“This sculpture reflects Ali’s grace, strength, and moral courage,” said Frudakis. “He was a true original—a man who stood firm in his convictions and inspired the world through his words and actions as much as his fists.”

Artist and Lewiston native Charlie Hewitt, who co-initiated the project with Lewiston architect and developer Tom Platz over a decade ago, emphasized the statue’s deeper meaning. “This is more than a tribute to a great athlete,” said Hewitt. “It’s a recognition of resilience, transformation, and dignity. To bring a monumental sculpture of a young Black Muslim man to a town with its own history of discrimination and exclusion is an act of healing and connection.”

Platz, who attended the May 25th, 1965, fight as a seventh-grader with his father, led the fundraising effort through private donations from local banks, businesses, and individuals. “Ali was a major part of Lewiston’s history,” said Platz. “This statue celebrates our roots in diversity, immigration, and resilience. There’s no better time to honor that.”

The statue will be installed at the entrance to Bates Mill No. 5 at 65 Main St.— just 200 feet from the Auburn bridge—positioned as a gateway to the city and visible to more than 32,000 vehicles daily. Ali’s sculpture will be unveiled on May 31, 2025 at 2 pm in downtown Lewiston, Maine—celebrating the 60th anniversary of this historic boxing championship fight.

Monumental Sculpture / Public Art
Size: 10-foot high sculpture set on 4-foot base
Media: Bronze
Theme: Commemorating Ali's 1965 knockout of Sonny Liston
Meaning: Symbol of community resilience, pride and a celebration of Ali's boxing career
Dedication: May 31, 2025
Location: Entrance to Bates Mill No.5, 65 Main Street, Lewiston, Maine

In the News

• After 60 years, Lewiston’s place in boxing lore will be cast in bronze, The Boston Globe (pdf)

• Zenos Frudakis’ Statue of Muhammad Ali Set for Lewiston, Maine Unveiling May 31, The National Herald

• Statue of Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali Set for Lewiston Unveiling May 31, CBS 42

• Muhammad Ali statue coming to Lewiston later this month, WMTW ABC (unveiling changed to March 31, 2pm)

• Statue of Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali Set for Lewiston Unveiling May 31, WJBF

• Sculptor reflects on work on Lewiston's Muhammad Ali statue, Spectrum News

• Muhammad Ali statue to reflect a ‘timeless’ pose for the anniversary of bout with Sonny Liston in Lewiston, Sun Journal (pdf)