This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2018
Nicknamed "The Big Bear," heavyweight champion Sonny Liston was the most feared boxer of his time, taking the title from Floyd Patterson in a 1st round knockout that ranked as the third fastest victory ever in a world heavyweight title fight and the first time a reigning champion was knocked out in the opening frame. Patterson didn't fare any better in the rematch with the fight lasting only four seconds longer and this time hitting the canvas three times before the fight was stopped. So when 22-year old upstart Cassius Clay came along, not many gave the mouthy challenger a chance, installing Liston as an 8-1 favorite. Presented is one of the finest pieces of autographed boxing memorabilia we've ever seen, a sprawling 40" x 30" photo on Fujifilm photography paper of that unimaginable scene; the future Muhammad Ali standing over the fallen Liston and taking his place as the new heavyweight champion. What makes this piece all the more special is the incredible size of the silver marker signature from the newly crowned king of the ring. Signed "Muhammad Ali AKA Cassius Clay," an autograph he offered only for a short time after the name change, is approximately 7 inches long and 4 inches high. The slight discoloration on the right is glare from our photo and is not on the actual piece. An amazing item in incredible condition, once this beauty is out of the tube and into a frame, it's going to be the finest pieces of boxing memorabilia in any collection. LOA from JSA.