This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
In March of 1959, 17-year-old Cassius Clay traveled from Louisville, Kentucky to Chicago compete in the Golden Gloves Finals. This tournament would be the culmination of a promising amateur career begun in Louisville in 1954. Now with two Kentucky Golden Gloves championships under his belt, Clay found himself at the old Chicago Stadium fighting for his first National Championship. For Clay, the ’59 tournament was a triumph - in the first two brackets, Clay defeated Willie McMillan and Cliff Murkey before meeting Jeff Davis in the 175-lb. title fight. The championship was held on March 11 and Clay beat Davis to win his first national title. The publicity generated by his title fight brought the young fighter national attention and led to his place on the 1960 Olympic team. With his Gold medal won at the Rome Games, Cassius Clay embarked on the most storied career in boxing history.
This is the program for the fight that started it all: the March 11, 1959, Golden Gloves Finals. The program features two photos of the 17-year-old fighter, one with his Louisville contingent and a second with his opponent for that night, Jeff Davis. The program is in very good condition with light wear on the cover and some edge creasing from use. The cover’s colors remain bright and is a very attractive piece that beautifully represents Muhammad Ali’s first national title. It comes from the personal collection of renowned Golden Gloves trainer Robert "Pop" Howard, who mentored Ali when he was just a young pup. It should be noted that an example of this program in similar condition sold for $2,500 a few years ago.
Consigned by Pop Howard's granddaughter.