Muhammad Ali takes job promoting Coca-Cola

ATLANTA -- Coca-Cola Co. has hired Muhammad Ali to take part in community and marketing initiatives to promote Coke products.

"I am excited to help Coca-Cola build on their outstanding legacy of global corporate citizenship and superior marketing programs," Ali said.

The relationship with the former heavyweight champ could have the added benefit of enhancing Coke's image among blacks.

In June, a federal judge approved a record $192.5 million settlement of a highly publicized lawsuit that accused Coke of denying black workers fair pay, promotions, raises and performance reviews.--From wire reports

The settlement called for each black employee to receive about $38,000.

A year before the settlement was approved, Coke said it would spend $1 billion over five years to boost opportunities for minorities and women, partly by increasing its business with minority and women-owned financial institutions, suppliers and other companies.