Spring Premium Live and Catalog Auction Ending May 20(1-70) and June 3
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/4/2017
This picture was taken moments after the boxer then known as Cassius Clay defeated Sonny Liston to claim the World Heavyweight Championship. Ali, only 22 at the time, was unanimously considered the underdog and was written off before the fight. In a six round slugfest marred by accusations of cheating against Liston, Ali emerged victorious after Liston failed to answer the bell for the seventh round. In that moment, the fortunes of Ali and Liston seemed to switch, with Ali becoming the heralded champion and Liston destined to finish his career in mediocrity.
Ali is pictured here jubilantly raising his right fist in victory, surrounded by his entourage and members of the press hoping to get a soundbite from the Louisville Lip. Ali signed this photograph as “Cassius Clay” in silver marker. This photograph measures 20 x 24 inches and comes with a LOA from PSA/DNA (AB12540).