Presented is a unique pair of Everlast boxing gloves signed by the three-time World heavyweight champion, Muhammad Ali, and featuring a painting of Ali’s victory over Sonny Liston by artist Ken Branch on the boxing gloves. Ali has signed his name in black marker on the back of the left boxing glove.  The painting is on the right glove, and depicts, in black, brown, red, and white paint on the red leather glove, Ali standing over the prone body of Liston in triumph. The artist has signed his name in black alongside Ali’s right leg. There is a small gold metal plaque affixed to the right of the painting, with “Hand Painted Original Artwork” engraved in black.

This was the second fight between Ali and Liston, in Lewiston, Maine on May 25, 1965, and the ending (portrayed in this image) remains one of the most controversial in boxing history. Midway through the first round, Liston threw a left jab and Ali went over it with a fast right, knocking the former champion down. Liston went down on his back. He rolled over, got to his right knee and then fell on his back again. Many in attendance did not see Ali deliver the punch. The fight quickly descended into chaos. Referee Jersey Joe Walcott, a former World Heavyweight Champion himself, had a hard time getting Ali to go to a neutral corner. Ali initially stood over his fallen opponent, gesturing and yelling at him, "Get up and fight, sucker!" "Nobody will believe this!" The moment was captured by ringside photographer Neil Leifer in what became one of the most iconic images in sport. Ali then began prancing around the ring with his arms raised in victory. This item comes with a LOA from JSA.

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