Offered here is a signed photograph of Muhammad Ali standing over Sonny Liston during their second fight on May 25, 1965. Held in the small town of Lewiston, Maine, Ali-Liston II failed to live up to the hype of the first battle. Ali defeated Liston just under two minutes into the first round of the heavyweight title fight. Fighting for the first time under the name Muhammad Ali, the boxer formerly known as Cassius Clay sent Liston to the mat with a right jab thrown so fast Ali himself did not know that he hit Liston. After Liston was knocked down, Ali spent a few extra seconds posing above and taunting the groggy Liston. What followed was remarkable: the timekeeper had counted Liston out, but the referee restarted the fight, leading Ali and Liston to throw a few more punches before the fight was officially over. Ali exited the fight with a perfect 21-0 record, while Liston picked up his third loss against 35 victories.

     This 16 x 20 inch photograph shows Ali in the moment after he knocked Liston down. Standing directly over Liston, the referee is trying in vain to direct Ali to his corner while the Louisville Lip shouts down at Liston. The crowd behind the fighters is stunned, with a gaggle of photographers trying to get the best shot of the fallen fighter.

     Ali signed this photograph in silver Sharpie pen to the right of his body. His signature is graded a 10 by PSA/DNA and it comes with a PSA/DNA Letter of Grading and Authenticity (AB13011).

Auction Notepad