This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/1/2012
ADDENDUM: Further research indicates that these Muhammad Ali boxing shoes were actually Ali's training worn shoes for the Jimmy Young fight, not worn by him in the fight. They originate from Ali's close friend Leslie Ward from England. According to our source, Ali would on occasion stay at Mr. Ward's residence when visiting England. Conversely, Mr. Ward would on occasion stay at Ali's residence when visiting the United States. Ali has inscribed the shoes "To Leslie...".
An aging Muhammad Ali successfully defended his WBA and WBC Heavyweight crowns against Jimmy Young in a 12-round unanimous decision at the Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland. These Size 13 shoes were worn by Ali during training for this fight and are in excellent condition and problem free, with laces intact and "Ali" printed in red marker on the inside. The red-and-blue Everlast logos on each side show significant wear but remain quite visible. Ali signed each shoe in bold black marker, adding the date 5-1-76 on each. A second Ali autograph appears in a slightly faded red marker on the right shoe, which has added inscriptions of Aug. 7-83 (in red) and "To Leslie From," which appears atop the black Sharpie autograph on the same shoe.