Fall Premier Auction 2013

This is an attractive full-size replica of the official World Boxing Association (WBA) Championship belt and it is signed in silver Sharpie on the back tie of the faux leather belt by four-time WBA Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali. Ali first won the WBA Heavyweight Championship on February 25, 1964. The then-named Cassius Clay defeated Sonny Liston to capture the title. Ali won the WBA Championship a second time by beating Ernie Terrell on February 6, 1967. Ali would win his third WBA Championship by beating George Foreman in The Rumble in the Jungle on October 30, 1974. Ali won the WBA Championship title a fourth time when he defeated Leon Spinks in Ali's last professional victory on September 15, 1978. The 44-inch black faux leather belt has an attractive burgundy trim with three gold-painted metal sculpture ovals, one 8 inches in diameter and smaller 4-inch versions on either side. The center sculpture features a crown at the top that is lined with faux gemstones. Underneath the crown are two boxing gloves with a WBA enamel badge at the center. The badge reads "World Boxing Association." The two smaller brass sculptures feature blank mirrored simulated gold mirror plates as well as a repeat of the faux gemstone lined crown from the center sculpture, but roughly half the size. The belt features a grey faux fur interior lining with back Velcro closure. Mounted over the back Velcro closure is a fourth brass sculpture containing an enamel WBA badge in Spanish that reads "Association Mundial/ De Boxeo." It appears that three of the small faux gemstones are missing from the two of the crown sculptures; there is also a bit of loss of the gold paint from the center gold sculpture visible only upon careful inspection. That aside, the belt is largely as-issued and problem-free. Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from PSA/DNA.