MUHAMMAD "THE GREATEST" ALI - AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH - HFSID 148040

MUHAMMAD ALI
Color 10x13 publicity photograph of Muhammad Ali after he knocked out Sonny Liston during their championship rematch at Lewiston, Maine on May 25, 1965.
Photograph signed: "Muhammad/Ali". Color, 10x13. Depicts Ali and Sonny Liston, whom Ali knocked out in the first round of their championship rematch at Lewiston, Maine on May 25, 1965. A 7-to-5 underdog, champion Ali utilized his trademark speed, power and dancing to shock the world by knocking out Liston only one minute and 42 seconds into the first round. Because the match ended nearly before it had begun, it has become one of the most controversial bouts in boxing history. The fight was Ali's first title defense -- and the first fight he fought using his Black Muslim name, having changed it from Cassius Clay after he dethroned Liston on February 25, 1964. Calling himself "The Greatest", Ali brought a sense of theatrics to the ring that entertained the audience and intimidated his opposition. Universally recognized, he fought in 61 bouts, knocked out 37 opponents and won 19 more by decision during his pro career, which began in 1960. He is the only heavyweight to win the title three times. After first winning the World Heavyweight title on February 25, 1964 by knocking out Liston, Ali was stripped of his title in 1967 for refusing military service. On October 30, 1974, Ali KO'd George Foreman in the eighth round in Zaire to regain the title. Leon Spinks became champ when he won a 15-round decision over Ali on February 15, 1978 in Las Vegas but lost a rematch with Ali in New Orleans in another 15-round decision on September 15, 1978. Ali retired as World Heavyweight Champion in 1979. Image slightly grainy. Fine condition. Framed to an overall size of 16¼x27.