Wikicollecting Top 10 Most Expensive Pieces of Boxing Memorabilia As a tribute to the late Joe Frazier, Wikicollecting presents a list of the most valuable pieces of boxing history ever sold at auction.
News-Antique.com - Nov 08,2011 - 10. Cassius Clay and Sonny Liston boxing licence applications - $20,700
The boxing licence applications of Cassius Clay and Sonny Liston, required by the Boxing Commission of the City of Miami Beach prior to their fight in 1964, sold for $20,700 at Christie’s in October 1997.
After the victory, Clay announced that he had converted to Islam. From then on he would be known as Muhammad Ali.
9. Cassius Clay Golden Gloves trophy - $28,750
The Golden Gloves trophy, awarded to Cassius Clay in 1960 after he won the US national title following a victory over Jimmy Jones in March 1960, sold for $28,750 at Christie’s in 1997.
8. Muhammad Ali fight worn gloves vs Zora Folley - $29,900
The gloves Ali wore in the ninth defence of his heavyweight title, against Zora Folley in New York in March 1967, sold for $29,900 at Christie’s in October 1997.
7. Muhammad Ali fight-worn robe - $30,000
A Muhammad Ali fight-worn robe from his bout against Chuck Wepner on March 24, 1975, was sold for $30,000 at Important Sports Memorabilia and Cards in December 2005.
6. Muhammad Ali fight worn gloves vs Leon Spinks - $32,200
The gloves Ali wore in capturing a record-breaking third heavyweight championship, against Leon Spinks in New Orleans in 1978, sold for $32,200 at Christie’s in October 1997.
5. Joe Frazier fight worn robe from the Thrilla in Manilla - $40,000
The robe Frazier wore into the ring on October 1, 1975 in his third fight and final fight against Ali sold for $40,000 at Sotheby’s in April 2008.
Ali won the bout, with Frazier, who was blind in one eye, unable to see out of his good one due to the pummelling he had received. At the end of round 14, Frazier’s trainer, Eddie Futch, threw in the towel, telling his charge: “No one will forget what you did here today".
4. Cassius Clay bout worn gloves against Henry Cooper - £37,600
The Baily’s gloves Cassius Clay wore in his successful bout against British boxer Henry Cooper in June 1963 sold for £37,600 ($53,091) at Christie’s in 2001.
They have been signed “To Alex from Muhammad Ali, Jan-14-79”.
3. Muhammad Ali Rumble in the Jungle trunks - $57,500
The trunks Ali wore for The Rumble in the Jungle fight against George Foreman in Zaire in 1974 made $57,500 at a Christie’s auction in 1997.
The victory saw Ali win back his title at the age of 32, seven years after relinquishing it due to his refusal to be drafted for the Vietnam War.
2. Muhammad Ali Rumble in the Jungle shoes - $59,700
The shoes Ali wore during the fight against Foreman sold for $59,700 at Christie’s in 1997.
1. Muhammad Ali Rumble in the Jungle fight robe- $156,500
Ali wore the white robe, decorated with African patterns and beadwork, into the ring prior to his successful bout against George Foreman in 1974.
Ali won with a KO in round 8, thanks to his "rope-a-dope" tactics.
