This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
In March of 1959, 17-year-old Cassius Clay traveled from Louisville, Kentucky to Chicago compete in the Golden Gloves Finals. With two Kentucky Golden Gloves championships under his belt, Clay was competing on a national level for the first time. Besides the chance to win a title and gain national recognition, the young boxers were also given the opportunity to work with legendary Chicago trainer Robert “Pop” Howard. In his long career, Pop had trained many champion fighters including Joe Louis and Tony Zale, and now in his 70s, had dedicated himself to working with the young Golden Gloves amateurs. One of the 1959 group fortunate enough to benefit from Pop’s lifetime of fight knowledge was Cassius Clay.
This wonderful black and white 8x10 press photo depicts the 1959 class of Golden Gloves fighters, including the young Cassius Clay, seated front row left, with a wide grin on his fresh 17 year-old face. This copy of the photo was signed and inscribed by all the young fighters to their beloved coach Robert "Pop" Howard, including Cassius Clay who wrote: “To a very good guy & coach. All the luck in the world. It has been a pleasure & privilege to be here in acquaintance with you! Gold(crossed out) God Bless you (illegible) Cassius Clay Champion.” No doubt writing “Champion” after his name for the first time must have thrilled Clay to no end. All the signatures are in blue ball point and have been well preserved on the reverse of the photo. The signed photo comes with a second Chicago Tribune-stamped version of the photo and two obituary clipping from Pop Howard’s 1960 death. An incredible piece that is most likely the earliest Muhammad Ali championship-related signature. Includes one unsigned original wire photo from Chicago Tribune.
Full LOA from PSA/DNA for Cassius Clay autograph and inscription. Comes directly from Pop Howard's granddaughter.