FALL 2012 Auction

The third and final bout between Ali and Ken Norton took place on September, 28 1976 at Yankee Stadium. It was a rubber match, of sorts, as the two champions had swapped victories in 1973. Ali edged out a 15-round decision over the chiseled ex-marine to solidify his position as the indisputable World Heavyweight Champion. Offered is the actual fight robe worn by Ali as he stepped into the ring for Ali-Norton III under Yankee Stadium's bright lights and hallowed facade. The full, calf-length white crushed velvet robe is trimmed in white satin at the cuffs, collar and pockets. On the reverse, "MUHAMMAD ALI" appears regally in purple block cloth lettering. There is a front pocket on the left breast with a large "Everlast" manufacturing tag that reads, "Made Expressly For MUHAMMAD ALI." The robe is completely lined in satin, has full-length sleeves and includes its original satin sash. A tag affixed inside the collar gives an identification code, "RK8844," which refers to the robe's assigned number when it was originally sold in the late 1980's as part of the Drew "Bundini" Brown Locker Sale in California. Ali's long-time confidante and cornerman, Brown kept the robe in his personal possession up until the time of the sale. Accompanying the robe is an LOA from noted boxing authority Craig Hamilton, who writes, "I have examined fight film of this fight and can clearly see Muhammad Ali wearing this robe prior to the fight as he stood in the ring. Based on the tagging, the fight film evidence and the fact that the robe originated from Drew 'Bundini' Brown, I am convinced this is the very robe worn by Muhammad Ali in this fight against Ken Norton on September 28, 1976." Given their impressive size and stunning visuals, full-length robes are certainly among the most desirable of Ali's fight-worn items. This spectacular example is no exception, and also features the added significance of having been worn in one of Ali's most high-profile bouts of the mid-1970's. A rare offering with impeccable provenance. LOA from Craig Hamilton of JO Sports, Inc.