2024 Fall Premier
Wed, Nov 6, 2024 01:00PM EST - Sat, Nov 23, 2024 10:30PM EST
Lot 21
Muhammad Ali's 7/19/1972 Twice Signed U.S. Passport Issued Same Day as Al "Blue" Lewis Fight in Croke Park (Dublin, Ireland) - PSA/DNA LOA
Sold for
$36,000
Sold Price includes BP
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $200 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $30,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $25,000 |
| $500,000 | $50,000 |
| $1,000,000 | $100,000 |
| $1,500,000 | $150,000 |
Muhammad Ali's Historic Passport: A Glimpse into the Champion's Journey
Item Overview:
Passport Type: U.S. Passport
Signatures: Signed twice by Muhammad Ali
Date Issued: July 19, 1972, Dublin
Condition: Excellent, minor rubbing on original stiff wrappers
Contents: 20-page booklet with photograph, stamps, and manuscript notes
Muhammad Ali's original passport, utilized from July 1972 to March 1974, serves as a remarkable testament to the legendary heavyweight champion's illustrious career. This passport encapsulates a pivotal 20-month period during which Ali participated in eight professional bouts, marking a significant chapter in boxing history.
This particular passport was issued by the U.S. Consulate in Dublin, Ireland, as a temporary replacement due to a lost or stolen document. Initially, it was set to be valid until July 1977, following an extension granted on September 14, 1972. However, by March 1974, the passport was already brimming with visa stamps, reflecting Ali's extensive travels and engagements during this dynamic phase of his career.
The issuance date of this passport coincides with one of Ali's notable fights in Ireland. On July 19, 1972, he faced Alvin Lewis at Croke Park, securing victory via TKO in the 11th round. Notably, Ali had already spent eight days in Ireland before this match, and he would return to the country twice more, including a visit to Ennis, the birthplace of his great-grandfather.
The passport is richly adorned with stamps that document Ali's fights and travels, particularly during a critical stage of his comeback leading up to the iconic "Rumble in the Jungle." Within this time-frame, Ali faced formidable opponents such as Ken Norton, who handed him his only loss during this period, and Floyd Patterson.
Key stamps in the passport include:
A visit to Morocco prior to an exhibition match against Gregorio Peralta in Barcelona on August 1, 1972.
A journey to Indonesia for a bout with Rudi Lubbers in Jakarta on October 20, 1973.
A special stamp that allowed Ali to "perform" just four days later at the National Stadium in Singapore.
In addition to these significant locations, the passport features stamps from Philadelphia, London, Beirut, and Cairo, culminating in Venezuelan stamps from Ali's attendance at the fight between George Foreman and Ken Norton in Caracas on March 26, 1974. Foreman's decisive victory over Norton positioned Ali as the underdog for his upcoming clash in Zaire, further heightening the anticipation surrounding his career.
This passport is not merely a travel document; it is a historical artifact that encapsulates the spirit and tenacity of Muhammad Ali. The interviews conducted after his bouts, especially following the Caracas match, highlight his unparalleled charisma, tactical brilliance, and indomitable confidence.
Muhammad Ali's passport is an extraordinary relic from a transformative period in the world of boxing, reflecting not only the champion's travels but also the enduring legacy he crafted both inside and outside the ring.
Accompanied by a Full LOA by PSA/DNA
Estimate $30,000+
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