1965 Muhammad Ali Signed Promotional Photo - Early "Ali" Signature

Sold For:

Unsold

Year:

1965

Auction:

2018 Fall

Lot #:

2480

Category:

Boxing/Golf/Other Cards or Memorabilia

Black-and-white promotional photo of Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali), inscribed and dated by Muhammad Ali. This is an early Muhammad Ali signed item, dating shortly after the time at which he adopted his Muslim name of Muhammad Ali. The photo, which is captioned “I Am The Greatest!/Cassius Clay,” has been inscribed in blue ink “To Ralph/from/Muhammad/Ali/World Champ/1965.” Both the signature and text grade “7” overall. Clay defeated Sonny Liston for the World Heavyweight Boxing Title on February 25, 1964, and a few weeks later announced he was joining the Nation of Islam and changing his name to Muhammad Ali. In 1965, he retained his title by defeating Liston once again in their rematch on May 25th. The photo (8 x 10 inches) displays a few light surface wrinkles, two tiny spots of discoloration in the lower right corner, and both paper residue and surface paper loss on the reverse from having once been mounted in an album. In Very Good to Excellent condition overall. Auction LOA from James Spence/JSA. Pre-certified by Steve Grad and Brian Sobrero/Beckett Authentication Services. Reserve $200. Estimate (open).