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Circa 1970 Muhammad Ali (Prediction) PSA Type I Photograph
Offered is an original Type I N.E.A. photo of Muhammad Ali in which Ali predicts a round in which an opponent will be defeated. Muhammad Ali was famous for making predictions about his upcoming fights, and he often would predict what round would be the last for his opponent. In 1970, Ali was making a comeback to the ring after being banned by boxing authorities for three and a half years for refusing the military draft. The boxing authorities also stripped him of his ring titles, and when Ali returned to fighting in 1970, in effect he had to shake off the rust and start over. His first fight in his comeback was on Oct. 26, 1970, against Jerry Quarry. Ali and Quarry fought closely for two rounds, but in the third round, Ali cut Quarry above his left eye - and that injury determined the outcome of the bout as Ali won by a TKO in Round 3. Ali's second comeback fight was on Dec. 7, 1970, against Oscar Bonavena. This fight lasted 15 rounds as Bonavena took a great deal of punishment. Finally, in the 15th and final round, Ali knocked Bonavena to the canvas three times, and Ali won on a TKO. The offered photo (measured at approx. 7.75x5.5") shows Ali putting up nine fingers, indicating that he is predicting winning a fight in nine rounds. On the back of the photo is written "B1657/Cassius Clay/Fighter." Also, stamped on the back is "Reference Dec. 9 70 N.E.A." It can be speculated that the photo was actually taken before the Dec. 7th bout with Bonavena and Ali is making another prediction, one that didn't become exactly prescient as Ali didn't finish off Bonavena in nine rounds. It took "The Greatest" 15 rounds to dispose of the stubborn Bonavena, who lasted 15 rounds mainly on heart. The photo has some tape, about .4" thick, running along the base of the back of the photo. Otherwise, the photo is in excellent condition. Eventually Ali would reclaim his World Heavyweight Championship. The photo depicts Ali at an early and successful point in the comeback of his career.
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