Muhammad Ali Signed 1998-1999 Calendar (Beckett | Autograph Graded 10)

1998-1999 (16) month calendar has been hand-signed on the front cover by Muhammad Ali (D.2016, HOF).

Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, was a renowned American professional boxer and one of the most significant and iconic figures in sports history. He is often referred to as "The Greatest" and is remembered not only for his remarkable achievements in the boxing ring but also for his charismatic personality, social activism, and cultural impact.

Key points about Muhammad Ali:

Boxing Career: Ali's boxing career spanned from 1960 to 1981. He won the gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome and then went on to have a storied professional career. He held the world heavyweight title multiple times and became the first fighter to win the title three times.

Fighting Style: Ali was known for his unique fighting style, characterized by his lightning-fast footwork, remarkable hand speed, and the ability to "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee." He had a strong jab and a defensive technique that allowed him to avoid opponents' punches.

Rivalries: Ali engaged in several historic rivalries, including fights against Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman. His fights against Frazier, particularly the "Fight of the Century" in 1971 and the "Thrilla in Manila" in 1975, are among the most iconic matches in boxing history.

Name Change: In 1964, after winning the heavyweight title from Sonny Liston, Ali announced that he had converted to Islam and changed his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali. This decision was aligned with his religious beliefs and his rejection of his "slave name."

Conscientious Objector Status: Ali's refusal to be drafted into the U.S. military during the Vietnam War due to his religious and moral objections led to his being stripped of his titles and banned from boxing for several years. His stance against the war and his willingness to sacrifice his boxing career for his principles made him a symbol of anti-establishment and civil rights movements.

Comeback and Legacy: After his exile, Ali made a triumphant return to boxing and reclaimed the heavyweight title in 1974 by defeating George Foreman in the historic "Rumble in the Jungle" match in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). Ali's charisma, skills, and resilience endeared him to fans around the world, making him a global sports and cultural icon.

Social Activism: Throughout his life, Muhammad Ali was an advocate for civil rights, racial equality, and humanitarian causes. His outspokenness on issues of social justice and his commitment to making a positive impact on society solidified his legacy as a true champion beyond the boxing ring.

Muhammad Ali's impact on the world goes far beyond his athletic accomplishments. He remains an inspiration to generations for his courage, conviction, and unwavering commitment to his beliefs. His legacy continues to resonate in discussions of sports, civil rights, and social change.

The autograph includes an official Beckett Authentication Services hologram and matching LOA for authenticity purposes.

Authentication: Beckett LOA

Due to the uniqueness of each item, please refer to the photos provided in this auction. We offer high resolution images of each item rather than a written description of condition.

This item is being shipped from the Pristine Auction warehouse.