ALS signed “Your friend, Cassius Clay,” one page, lightly-lined, 5 x 8, accompanied by its mailing envelope postmarked Louisville, Kentucky, October 18, 1961. Clay writes to a fan in his first year as a professional boxer. In full: “I received your letter and it was very nice, I hope this letter finds you and your family well, you said that you would like to have a autographed photo of me. I am sorry but I have not had the time to have some made, but since I am becoming a National none [sic] person, I will have some made to send to my fans, I will have some made and when I do I will see that you get one, and it won’t cost you nothing (smile).” Clay adds a second signature at the top of the letter, as well as his Louisville, Kentucky return address. In fine, clean condition. Accompanied by the aforementioned original mailing envelope, addressed in Clay’s hand, and signed again on the reverse “Cassius Clay,” as part of his return address on the back flap. Also on the envelope, in another hand, is Clay’s amateur record.
This rare piece of handwritten correspondence was sent just as Muhammad Ali (nee Cassius Clay) was beginning his ascent to boxing glory. Although he was a highly successful amateur boxer, finishing with a record of 100-5, Clay did not become a household name until he won the light heavyweight gold medal at the 1960 Olympics in Rome. Still technically a teenager when he sent this letter, the 19-year-old Clay had been featured in a Sports Illustrated article that same week and had just punished his opponent, Alex Miteff, on his road to becoming heavyweight champion of the world. That brutal assault came on the heals of a fight three months earlier against Alonzo Johnson, where some analysts criticized his performance. He was determined to show improvement against Miteff...and he did. Even at that tender age, he also proved that he was as quick with his gloves as he was with his mouth, already establishing an 8–0 record. A rare early letter from the dawn of one of the most remarkable careers in boxing history. Pre-certified Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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