Muhammad Ali will receive the National Constitution Center's 2012 Liberty Medal as a champion of freedom during a public ceremony on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 7 p.m. at the National Constitution Center on Independence Mall in Historic Philadelphia.

Ali, 70, is receiving the award for being a "living embodiment of the Constitution" who has been an activist for religious and civil rights since the 1960s.

"It is very fitting that Muhammad Ali, a representative for the bicentennial of the Constitution, be awarded the prestigious Liberty Medal in 2012, as the nation celebrates the 225th anniversary of our founding document," said President Bill Clinton, Chair of the National Constitution Center. "Ali embodies the spirit of the Liberty Medal by embracing the ideals of the Constitution - freedom, self-governance, equality, and empowerment - and helping to spread them across the globe."

"Muhammad Ali symbolizes all that makes America great, while pushing us as a people and as a nation to be better,’" said National Constitution Center President and CEO David Eisner. "Each big fight of his life has inspired a new chapter of civic action. We look forward to welcoming him back to the Center, particularly during this momentous 225th anniversary year."