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Lot # 2027: 1974 Ali-Foreman Zaire Fight Robe

Starting Bid: $5,000.00

Bids: 1 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed

Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "December 2002",
which ran from 12/5/2002 12:00 AM to
12/31/2002 9:00 PM



Historically important robe was made up for Muhammad Ali to wear into the ring against George Foreman on October 30, 1974. Ali made a change at the last minute to go with a very ornate designer robe and the rest is history. This very elaborate robe in white satin sports green, red and black trim with a dramatic black sash. The piece is magnificent with an ivory velvet trim and a thick terrycloth interior. The lining makes this a heavy and very significant piece just based on feel (let alone the magical word “Zaire”). On the verso in black are sewn the words “Muhammad Ali.” Best of all, on the left front breast is a map of the country of Zaire containing the words “Zaire” and “1974.” To the left of the map, the robe was signed large and prominently in black sharpie during the 1980’s by Muhammad Ali. Part of the Drew “Bundini” Brown Estate sale, this piece comes with a letter from boxing expert Craig Hamilton who has researched and authenticated it. On October 30, 1974, Muhammad Ali and George Foreman met in a much anticipated heavyweight fight in Kinshasa, Zaire. At stake was Foreman’s World Heavyweight Title. Foreman came in undefeated and heavily favored. He had destroyed two men who had given Ali life and death fights, Joe Frazier and Ken Norton. Styles make fights and Ali adopted a “rope-a-dope” style, which led to Foreman exhausting his energy in the early rounds setting up a later drive by Ali. It all ended in the eighth round when Ali landed a heavy combination, which combined with Foreman’s weakened state, proved too much. Muhammad Ali had won his second title. The robe shows heavy use and some color run an indication the robe was probably worn in training camp. The white satin and terrycloth have yellowed ever so slightly. It is in overall excellent condition.

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