This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2019
Talk about living in your brother's shadow. Rahman Ali, born Rudolph Clay two and a half years after brother Cassius in 1944, was also a professional boxer, and a pretty darned good one. 14 wins, 3 losses and one draw constituted his successful Heavyweight career, unless you compare him to his older brother. In Rahman's final fight, he was knocked out by Jack O'Halloran of ringside and Hollywood fame. This 1950s to early 60s era Happy Birthday card "For a Swell Brother" was given to Rahman and signed "From Cassius Clay" in 7-8/10 blue ballpoint on the inside. The two shared a similar path in life, albeit at two ends of the media spectrum, struggling through the Civil Rights movement of the 60s, converting to Islam, and later both suffering from Parkinson's. They were always close. Rahman is still living at 75 years of age. A rare glimpse of into Muhammad Ali's personal relationship with his only brother. The piece originates from the famed Paloger Collection auctioned in the late 1990s. Full LOA from JSA (146227) and PSA/DNA (AG01671).