Presented is a Muhammad Ali signature on a stretched canvas giclee print of a painting by noted sports artist Stephen Holland, entitled “Ali – In His Prime”. The three-time heavyweight boxing champion has signed his name in gold marker across the center of the 29 x 41-inch canvas, which depicts Ali throwing a right during his November 22, 1965 match against Floyd Patterson. Holland, the artist, has signed his name in the lower right corner of the canvas in gold marker and “AVP 22/56” is below his signature. In the lower right corner is the inscription “November 22, 1965 vs. Floyd Patterson”, also in gold marker. The figure of Ali is painted in brown, black, white, and red against a black background with brown and gray brush strokes along all four edges. The hand-enhanced giclee on canvas was issued in 2006 in a total edition size of 212 with 56 “Ali Victory Proofs”, of which this item is number 22.

This painting captures Ali, the heavyweight champ, en route to his victory over challenger and former heavyweight champ Floyd Patterson. Patterson had previously lost his heavyweight title to Sonny Liston in a 1st round knockout. In a later rematch, Patterson lost again in the 1st round. Liston later lost the title to Ali. Meanwhile, Patterson won bouts against Eddie Machen and George Chuvalo. Patterson was now the number-one challenger for the title held by Ali. On November 22, 1965, Patterson fought Ali for the first time. Patterson lost by technical knockout at the end of the 12th round. Instead of scoring a quick knockout, Ali mocked, humiliated and punished Patterson throughout the fight before knocking him out in the 12th round. A New York Times reporter complained that the fight was like watching someone "pulling the wings off a butterfly." This item comes with a COA from Sports Placement Service, Inc.

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