This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/10/2001.
Three-time heavyweight champ Muhammad Ali's boxing career spanned 61 bouts (a record of 56-5 with 37 KOs and 19 successful title defenses), and before each of those fights he put in long hours of sparring to sharpen up his jab, his "bolo" punch and the "Ali Shuffle." During those sessions, he wore protective head gear such as this black leather model that is signed by Ali and given to the champ's longtime and legendary corner man and sidekick Drew "Bundini" Brown, the man who originated the phrase "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee," and in whose estate it remained after Brown's death. The head gear has a large white "Everlast" label that also reads, "Made Expressly For Muhammad Ali." Ali signed his name in silver marker on the black leather area just to the left of the label, with the signature rating an 8. The head gear is well worn but shows little damage, with the yellow interior padding virtually flawless.