FALL 2012 Auction

It’s hard to imagine a more historically significant or poignant creation than a prophecy by a brash 22-year-old Cassius Clay insisting that he would soon be the Heavyweight Champion of the World. Soon, in this instance, meant a couple of weeks later when Clay would turn the boxing world on its ear by upending the fearsome reigning heavyweight champion Sonny Liston. This rash prediction appears on a tan leather bag glove that Clay signed (and dated) presumably amidst intense preparation before his legendary tangle with Liston. Originally sourced from the collection of Joe Martin, a man credited as one of Clay’s earliest teachers of the sweet science, the Wilson glove is in fine, unused condition, bearing an ink inscription “From Cassius Clay Jan. 19, ‘64, Next Heavyweight Champion of the World.” The autograph and inscription are slightly faded on an otherwise pristine glove that is handsomely matted and presented in a 19 by 20 inch shadow box frame. The perfect embodiment of Ali’s character and bravado, the glove shares the frame with an ideal companion. Matted below the glove (in a harmlessly removable fashion) is a rare pristine full ringside ticket to the epic February 25, 1964 bout. The ticket has a near mint appearance bearing several barely noticeable tiny, ornate hole punches as the only indication of use. Separately, these two items are monumental boxing artifacts in their own right, but when attractively matted together in this manner, combine to create an epic summation of Ali’s indomitable character.

Includes a full LOA from PSA/DNA (Signature grade: 7).