ALI, Muhammad. Signed Display from the Muhammad Ali v. Al “Blue” Lewis Bout, Croke Park, Dublin, 19 July 1972.

Original black-and-white photograph depicting Muhammad Ali exchanging punches with Al “Blue” Lewis during their heavyweight contest at Croke Park, Dublin, 19 July 1972. Mounted beneath, Ali has inscribed “The Greatest of all Time” and dated it “April 3, 1985.” The combination of signature, drawing, inscription and date enhances both its desirability and collectability, representing one of the most recognisable autograph styles in modern sporting history.

Ali’s contest with Al “Blue” Lewis remains one of the most celebrated sporting occasions ever staged in Ireland. Promoted by Michael “Butty” Sugrue, the bout attracted thousands to Croke Park, marking the first professional boxing event held at the stadium. Lewis, a former sparring partner of Ali, survived a fifth-round knockdown before Ali secured victory by technical knockout in the eleventh round. The event has since become an enduring chapter in Irish sporting history and was later commemorated in the documentary When Ali Came to Ireland.

An attractive and highly displayable combination of an iconic action photograph from Ali’s historic Dublin appearance together with a personalised autograph from the three-time World Heavyweight Champion.

[File Liverpool]