From the esteemed 1997 Ronnie Paloger Collection comes Muhammad Ali’s 1978 handwritten speech that the GOAT held in his hands and read on a nationally televised CBS broadcast hosted by Brent Musburger. It was March 4th, just a few weeks after Ali lost his crown to Leon Spinks, and the outspoken ex-Champion pleaded his case for a rematch. He got his wish and on Sept. 15th Ali defeated Spinks to become the first ever 3-time Heavyweight Champion. Each paragraph represents one page of the 10-page speech, transcribed exactly as Ali wrote it in blue ink on lined paper. Video footage of the speech is included showing Ali holding this same speech and reading it verbatim. One of the more personal and historic pieces in Ali’s hand ever documented. Full LOA from PSA/DNA confirming the entire speech is in Ali's hand, including his signature at the end.
"I called this press conference because there’s much talk about who should the champion Leon Spinks defend his title against. It is a tradition that the ex-champion, is usually first to have the chance to regain his title. The champion Mr. Spinks agrees, that I also should be first to have another try for the title.
the promoters, Spinks and Myself all agree that Ken Norton should be the Next in line for the title. And the Majority of the people around the world want to see me have a chance to regain the title for the 3 time.
the mail that I receive from around the world is runing [sic] 10 to 1 for a immediate remach [sic] between Leon Spinks and myself. I am not asking no one to do no more than what I did myself. Especially the W. B. C. (World Boxing Council).
When I won the champion from Sonny Liston I gave him an immediate rematch not because I had to, But I felt it was only fair to give the man a chance who gave me a chance, before anyone else.
When Ingomar Johannson upset Floyd Patterson he gave Patterson an immediate rematch. Tunney gave Dempsea [sic] a rematch. Mr. Ken Norton is crying because he is badly treated. He says that he deserves the first chance at the Heavy Weight titles. How much more should I be demanding.
When I am the people No. 1 contender, he is No. 2. When he fought George Foreman for the title and got knocked out cold in the 2 round, When Foreman knocked him out, he did not ask for a rematch, Nor did he want to see foreman again.
So I got a chance to fight Foreman for the title, and I knocked him out. also, I gave Norton 3 chances, he beat me once, I beat him the last two.
If Norton says that he is deprived, then what about me, Twice they took my titles away.
The first time they took my title was when I fought Liston the second time, people could not see me beating he Great Sonny Liston. They took my title away the second tie, 2 hours I made my stand on the Vietnam War. I was not allowed to make a living for 3 years. These were the prime Boxing of my life.
So who is most deserving of the first shot at the title, Muhammad Ali or Ken Norton, Questions..."
Check out this recent article from Sports Collectors Daily about this Ali speech.
https://www.sportscollectorsdaily.com/alis-handwritten-speech-asking-for-spinks-rematch-up-for-auction