The Cassius Clay signature on this program is a large 10/10 perfect autograph against a stunning light red matte finish to bring out the richness and flavor. Happily, all used the same pen as this was obtained directly by a higher up in boxing elite. Signed a year before he became champion, Clay was not yet considered a top contender, but still an Olympian and a press magnet. There to see both fighters, he eventually devastated both, Liston twice completely and Patterson twice with pure brutality in revenge for refusing to call him by the name he cherished: Muhammad Ali. Ironically, here he signs the name he did NOT want, yet WE are quite happy to present it here. Why were all four there? Cassius Clay is joined on the program by the great champion Joe Louis, a beautiful pairing. They are nearly impossible to see together and signed on anything, especially one using the "C.C." moniker. Together, they represent the two opposite poles of black heavyweight boxing over five successive decades. Joe Louis and Barney Ross were there to do the pre-fight TV broadcast, interviewing folks and giving color commentary (check the tale of the tape at ATVAudio.com). Interestingly, two of the fighters introduced from ringside were Ingmar Johansson (always up to watching fights of his buddy/nemesis Floyd Patterson), and Cassius Clay was doing something similar but with no love lost, watching two future opponents/victims. According to David Remnick’s excellent book, "King of the World," when Clay (then known as Louisville Lip and not yet understood) was introduced to the crowd, he was roundly booed. As we later learned, this only turned him on further. Authentic period Cassius Clay autographs are extremely underrated in our opinion, they are far rarer than most know or want to admit. If we can't count the real ones on two hands, it’s not that many more. This is a piece worthy of a Sultan or a King. Or perhaps, "The Greatest." Sigs are 10/10 Mint, site program is EX+ with minor edge wear and no creasing. Liston knocked Patterson out in the first round to win the Heavyweight Crown. Comes with PSA/DNA LOA.