1974 Muhammad Ali Signed Training Camp Check

Sold For:

$1,175

Year:

1974

Auction:

2007 Spring

Lot #:

1401

Category:

Boxing/Golf/Other Cards or Memorabilia

Muhammad Ali Training Camp check, dated June 10, 1974, and signed by "Muhammad Ali" in black felt-tip pen ("10") along the base. The check, which is drawn on the American Bank and Trust Co. of Pennsylvania, is made out to "Bob McQuillan" in the amount of "$100." The notation along the base indicates that the money is for his "Camp Salary." Endorsed by McQuillan on the reverse. At the time Ali signed this check he was in training at Deer Lake, Pennsylvania, for what would be one of the most memorable fights of this career: the legendary "Rumble in the Jungle," which took place in October of that year (originally scheduled for September, but postponed due to a Foreman injury). Matched against heavyweight champion George Foreman, who was coming off a dominating victory over Joe Frazier (one of Foreman's blows actually lifted Frazier off the canvas), Ali was given little chance by many experts of regaining the title. Undaunted by critics and buoyed by the support of the local fans, who constantly chanted "Ali Bomaye!" ("Ali kill him"), Ali once again shocked the world by registering an eighth-round knockdown of Foreman. His victory came in large part from his use of the famous "rope-a-dope," a strategy of letting Foreman tire himself out by pounding on him while he remained covered up on the ropes. That strategy was probably developed at his training camp that summer in Deer Lake. This is a very rare and unusual Ali check, with the special significance of relating directly to his training for one of the most celebrated bouts in boxing history. The check (8.25 x 3 inches) displays a vertical fold line and a few tiny tears along the bottom border. Normal bank cancellation stamps appear on the front and reverse. In Very Good to Excellent condition. LOA from James Spence/JSA. Reserve $400. Estimate $800/$1,200. SOLD FOR $1,175.00