MUHAMMAD "THE GREATEST" ALI - EPHEMERA UNSIGNED - HFSID 261976

MUHAMMAD ALI
Life Mask of the three-time World Heavyweight Champion
Ephemera unsigned, 5½x14 (overall on pedestal) with the mask measuring 5½x10. Accompanied by a photocopy of a Typed Letter Signed: "Muhammad Ali", 1p, 8½x11. Los Angeles, 1988 September 6. In full: "I, Muhammad Ali, authorize the California Bicentennial Foundation for the Constitution and its representatives, agents and assigns, to create original and duplicate life masks of me for use, as it deems appropriate, in its Famous American Faces Project, a Bicentennial Activity. I would like you to contribute an original life mask to the Smithsonian and any other institution or Hall of Fame that would be appropriate". The plate on the base is misspelled: "Mohammad Ali/American Spirit/Foundation". On Feb. 25, 1964, Muhammad Ali (1942-2016), born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr, knocked out champion Sonny Liston in the seventh round in Miami Beach to win the World Heavyweight title. He was stripped of his title in 1967 for refusing military service. On Oct. 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 Feb. 15, 1978 in Las Vegas but lost a rematch with Ali in New Orleans in another 15-round decision on Sept. 15, 1978. Ali retired as World Heavyweight Champion in 1979. He is the only three-time World Heavyweight Champion. Two items. Framed, not in Gallery of History style. Not reviewed by us for conservation integrity. "As is" framing purchase.