Just returning from a lengthy suspension for refusing to fight in the Vietnam War on moral grounds, Muhammad Ali ripped through the best heavyweights of the 1970s on his path to redemption and history. “The Louisville Lip” won twice against Joe Frazier, humiliated a much younger George Foreman, and defeated many much younger challengers as he decimated his competition.  Ali had two bouts with up and coming star Leon Spinks, who defeated Ali in February of 1978 in a split decision with the second bout coming on September 15, 1978. Ali would reclaim the WBA, The Ring and lineal heavyweight titles with a unanimous decision.

Ali would announce his retirement in July of 1979, but would shortly thereafter come out of retirement to challenge Larry Holmes for the WBC belt in an attempt to win the heavyweight championship for a fourth time – something that had never been done before. Ali’s fight with Larry Holmes took place on October 2, 1980 after months of getting medical clearance and approval from the Nevada Athletic Commission.

Offered here are a pair of 16-ounce Everlast gloves that were used by the great Ali during training in 1979. The “EVERLAST” label is on each wrist and the laces are original to the gloves. The palm side of each glove has “16 OZ” printed in gold. The gloves display moderate wear and Ali has signed the inside of each glove in red and inscribed “79”. These gloves come with a LOA from noted boxing expert Craig R. Hamilton, who states in his LOA that “the boxing gloves described herein are, in my opinion, sparring gloves used by former world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali during training and possibly an exhibition match in 1979.” There is also a LOA from JSA for the signatures.

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