$12,500
An original program from the Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay) vs. Sonny Liston Heavyweight Championship fight in 1964. The 36-page program features a cover image of Ali, Liston and a Heavyweight Championship belt and reads “Souvenir Program/ Sonny Liston vs. Cassius Clay/ World’s Heavyweight Championship/ on/ Theatre Network Television/ One Dollar.” The program interior features photos, articles, and boxing statistics for Ali and Liston. The Liston-Ali Heavyweight Championship bout took place on February 25, 1964, at the Miami Beach Convention Hall in Florida. Liston hadn’t trained for the fight, and in the early rounds it showed as Ali avoided Liston’s lunging punches. After the sixth round, Liston told his cornermen, “That’s it,” and spit out his mouth guard. Ali moved to the middle of the ring and began what would be referred to as the “Ali shuffle,” shouting “I’m the greatest!” Liston failed to answer the 7th round bell and Ali won by technical knockout. The week following the fight, Cassius Clay adopted the name Muhammad Ali. The front cover of the program is signed “Cassius Clay” in blue marker. Accompanied by a certificate of registration from Online Authentics. 11 by 9 inches PROVENANCE From the Collection of Harlan Werner Categories:
Auctioneer:
Juliens Auctions
Date:
2013-06-01
