October Legends Closing October 29
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2016
Shortly after beating Sonny Liston for the heavyweight title, Cassius Clay turned his ambitions inward. After much searching and meditation, Clay aligned himself with the Nation of Islam and changed his name to Cassius X, then Muhammad Ali. Now keen to discover his African roots and to spread the message of the Nation of Islam, Ali traveled to Africa in May, 1964.
The Champ was greeted upon touchdown by crowds chanting “The King! The King!”. Surprisingly, Ali found he was more famous abroad than in his own country. Starting in Ghana and then traveling to Nigeria, Ali put on sparring exhibitions for charity. In May he arrived in Egypt. For 20 days, Ali played the part of tourist, ambassador, political activist and Muslim pilgrim. To commemorate the visit and to celebrate the first Islamic boxing champ, the Arab Boxing Federation Egypt presented Ali with this beautiful 15-inch in diameter silver plate. Its surface has a traditional Egyptian bust in the center surrounded by ornate hieroglyphics. An inscription in Arabic tops off this impressive presentation piece. The English translation is "From Colonel Ali Shafeen, President of the Arab Boxing Federation. To the World Boxing Champions, Muhammad Ali Clay. On the occasion of his visit to the United Arab Republic in June 1964." An incredibly historic piece that marks the moment in time that Cassius Clay became Muhammad Ali. This item comes with a letter of authenticity from WBC Authentication (MP44881).