I Am The Greatest!
Presented is one of the finest photographs we’ve handled - a crystal clear Type 1 Original Photo of Muhammad Ali in 1962, then known as Cassius Clay. Captured just after his November 15th victory over Archie Moore, the 20 year old Clay embodies the confidence and charisma that earned him his immortal nickname: The Louisville Lip. The image was taken by famed photographer Stanley Weston, whose photographs of Ali are truly iconic and highly coveted by serious collectors. This example bears Weston’s prominent copyright stamp on the reverse, along with a lengthy period notation: "LOS ANGELES – NOV 15, 62 -  Cassius Clay After Kayoing Archie Moore."

The photograph is simply magnificent - perfect clarity and contrast, down to the individual beads of sweat on Clay’s face. Type 1 Weston photos from this period are exceedingly rare and seldom reach the marketplace.

A gold medalist at the 1960 Summer Olympics, Clay took the boxing world by storm with his flashy style and brash attitude. Fast, strong, cocky, and pretty… he wasn’t afraid to tell the world about it. Entering the Moore fight at 15-0, Clay faced his former training partner - a veteran and ex-champion - knowing that a victory would cement him as a true heavyweight contender.

Before the bout, he delivered one of his most famous predictions: “When you come to the fight, don’t block the halls, and don’t lock the door. For y’all may go home after round four.” He even wrote “Moore in 4” on a chalkboard at his training camp. True to his word, Clay TKO’d Moore in the fourth round - as noted on the reverse of this very photograph.

Two years later, Clay would dethrone Sonny Liston as world heavyweight champion, change his name to Muhammad Ali, and carve out the greatest career in the history of professional boxing.

This photograph has been authenticated by PSA as a Type I Original Photo – a first generation photograph, developed from the original negative, during the period (within approximately two years of when the picture was taken). Because they are developed from the original negative, Type I photographs offer exceptional clarity and are also exceedingly rare. Often, there are only a few known examples in existence, and sometimes, one of a kind.

Quite simply, a perfect piece of sports history!

Authenticated and Encapsulated by PSA