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Muhammad Ali To Grace Cover Of Upcoming Sports Illustrated Magazine

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Sports Illustrated will pay tribute to Muhammad Ali by featuring the boxing legend on the cover of their upcoming issue -- the 40th time the icon has graced the publication's front page.

"Muhammad Ali was a singular force of athletics, humanitarianism and social equality unlike anyone in our history. He was a fighter, and a champion, yet many of his most important victories came outside the ring. His legacy defines the very best of who we are and aspire to be," said Paul Fichtenbaum, Sports Illustrated Group Editor in a statement released Saturday morning.

PHOTOS: Remembering Muhammad Ali | Muhammad Ali In Sports Illustrated

The June 13 issue will be available on newsstands on June 8.

Ali died Friday at age 74, according to a statement from the family. He was hospitalized in the Phoenix area with respiratory problems earlier this week, and his children had flown in from around the country.

Tributes to Muhammad Ali rolled in from around the world Saturday, just hours after his death.

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A funeral will be held Wednesday in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. The city plans a memorial service Saturday.

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