Muhammad Ali wore this robe during his training period preceding the final fight in his legendary boxing career. The pugilist from Louisville, Kentucky, was preparing to fight a challenger from Canada, Trevor Berbick. Although Berbick was a good fighter in his own right, and the owner of a 19-2 career record at the time, a younger Ali would have made mincemeat of the Port Antonio-born fighter. However, by 1981 Ali was slowed, hampered by years of abuse inside and out of the ring. He was three years removed from what would be the final win of his career, a 15 round unanimous decision against Leon Spinks, and fighting for only the second time since 1978. His previous fight, against Larry Holmes, was universally viewed as a bloodbath, and a tragic ending to a once-great career. Already exhibiting signs of his crippling Parkinson syndrome, Ali’s longtime trainer Angelo Dundee was forced to end the fight in the 11th round.

     Regardless of the outcome of his penultimate fight, it was a sign of Ali’s indomitable will and competitive drive that he competed so earnestly against Berbick, a man 12 years his junior. The two heavyweights fought in Nassau, at the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre, in a bout scheduled for 10 rounds. The fight went the distance, and even though Ali put in a vintage performance Berbick claimed a victory by unanimous decision. After this bout, Ali finally entered his well-deserved retirement, leaving pro boxing with a career record of 56 wins, including 37 by knockout, and only six losses, three of which were incurred in the final four fights of his career. Although his career did not end the way he envisioned, Ali finished his long tenure in boxing as one of the most beloved and respected figures in American life.

     This robe is likely one of the final garments worn during the 21 year pro boxing career of Ali. Originally white, it has since aged to a fine cream color. “Muhammad Ali” is sewn on the back of this terrycloth robe in black tackle twill. Hoodless, and with short sleeves, this robe features an American flag patch sewn on the left breast. A sash encircles the upper waist area of this robe. On the back inside collar is a hook to the right of a small tag that bears the letter “U”. This beautiful boxing robe, which features an open chest and two waist pockets, shows good use and soiling consistent with boxing training. It originates from the collection of Lloyd Wells, a friend of Ali and a member of his boxing entourage from 1974 through 1979. This item comes with a LOA from Wells, as well as a LOA from Craig Hamilton, the president of JO Sports.

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