EVERLAST, CIRCA 1965

Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. in Louisville, Kentucky. His introduction to boxing came at age twelve when reporting the theft of his bicycle to police officer Joe Martin. Fuming over the incident, Clay reportedly told the officer that he wanted to “whup” the thief. It would prove a fortuitous encounter as Martin happened to be a boxing trainer and suggested the young boy learn to fight first. What began as childhood anger was shaped, under the tutelage of Martin, into focused discipline and purpose. Young Clay thrived with proper training and developed extraordinary hand speed, coordination, and confidence. His talents were undeniable winning multiple Golden Gloves titles and would culminate in a gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics. That victory catapulted him to National prominence and even at this early stage of his career his confidence bordered on the theatrical. He turned professional later that year bringing a style to the ring which had never been seen before. In contrast to the flat-footed stance and trading of punches which fans had long grown accustomed to, Clay relied on speed, movement, and well-honed reflexes. Above all he embraced the spotlight. Media interactions turned into spectacles in their own right complete with poems seemingly conjured out of thin air, playful insults, and continual boasting. An entirely new fan base, whom had never before paid attention to boxing, were now ardent followers of Clay and the sport.He also used his new platform for another passion: social and political stances. He openly spoke out against racism and segregation in the United States and quickly became a face of the Civil Right Movement.

By 1963 he had positioned himself for a shot at the heavyweight title but standing in his way was the reigning champion, Sonny Liston. Liston was a throwback to the fighters of old and one of the most intimidating men who had ever laced up a pair of boxing gloves. The contrast between the two fighters could not have been sharper. In February of 1964 Clay shocked the world by dominating Liston with speed and confidence forcing the veteran to quit after just six rounds. Notably, it was shortly after the fight that Clay announced his conversion to Islam and adopted the name Muhammad Ali. The charged climate of the time did not take well to this news, which many view as radical and disrespectful to American history. As with most trailblazers of the civil rights movement, actions that were seen as controversial at the time have since come to be seen as courageous and just. A rematch of the two titans was set for May of 1965 and it was at that event that the world at large would be introduced to Ali’s new identity. The match lasted just over a minute and ended as Ali knocked down Liston with a short right jab that became known as the “phantom punch.” Though controversial, the result left no doubt that Ali was both the heavyweight champion and a cultural force which could not be dismissed. The iconic image of Ali standing over Liston symbolized not only victory, but a coming shift in American culture at large.

The full length robe done in white terrycloth has “Muhammad Ali” name arched across the back in red lettering. As previously stated, this is the first large scale appearance made by Ali under this new identity. Further, as this is believed to be the weigh in robe and not that which was worn into the ring, it is likely the very first public appearance he made with the now legendary name on display. The manner in which it is emblazoned on the upper back is noteworthy in that the style (with a small dot above the last name) compares favorably with all footage taken during the weigh-in ceremony. The original matching terrycloth belt is present and the sleeve openings each have a zipper closure (one missing its pull tab). Proper “Everlast” tag in the collar has faded which is the result of both laundering and age. Heavy use is evident throughout and there is some modest staining primarily effecting the left-hand side of the garment. An included letter of provenance relays that it was given to an ardent fan, John Pradella, who would watch Ali train every day at his Chicopee, MA camp where he was preparing for the rematch. He befriended and would often golf with one of Ali’s sparring partners, Solomon McTier, and McTier offered him a pair of tickets to the fight. Pradella was unable to attend as he had a college exam that day, but he did return to camp after the fight and again encountered his golfing partner. McTier greeted him with an enthusiastic hug and then introduced his new friend to head trainer Angelo Dundee. At Dundee's behest, McTier retrieved the offered robe from their bus presenting it to Pradella. Pradella’s signed statement concludes, “I believe this happens to be the first robe that had the name Muhammad Ali on it.” Additional documentation from noted boxing expert Craig Hamilton further relays his findings that it is “the boxing robe worn by Muhammad Ali during the weigh in ceremony for his second fight with Sonny Liston on May 25, 1965.” Given the fact that of course boxers generate very limited fight used equipment items of significance are notably rare and highly sought after by collectors. Ali fight robes, of any type, are among the most coveted of all boxing memorabilia especially given the visceral reactions crowds provide when boxing champion appears wearing their trademark fight robes. Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston will be forever connected in the annals of sports history with the offered robe standing as one of the most important related surviving artifacts. Includes LOA from Hunt Auctions, LOA from Craig Hamilton, and letter of provenance from John Pradella: EX