8455

Cassius Clay 1959 Golden Gloves Signed Photograph

Currency:USD Category:Sports - Cards & Fan Shop / Sports - Vintage Sports Memorabilia Start Price:NA Estimated At:2,500.00 - 4,000.00 USD
Cassius Clay 1959 Golden Gloves Signed Photograph

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Auction Date:2019 Feb 21 @ 20:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:One Beacon St., 15th Floor WeWork, Boston, Massachusetts, 02108, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Amazingly early glossy 10 x 8 photo of the 1959 class of Golden Gloves fighters who were given the opportunity to train with legendary Chicago trainer Robert 'Pop' Howard, signed and inscribed on the reverse to Howard in blue ballpoint by the members of the class, including the young Cassius Clay, who writes, "Cassius Clay Champion." The wonderful photograph portrays the full class of Golden Gloves boxers, with the smiling 17-year-old Clay seated in the first row, second from the left. Clay was the 1959 national Golden Gloves light heavyweight champion, and most of his fellow champs also signed along with him, including Pat Moore (bantamweight), Gil Yanez (flyweight), Don Eddington (featherweight), Freddie Davis (lightweight), Don Sargent (welterweight), and Jimmie Jones (heavyweight). Also signed by Wilbert 'Skeeter' McClure, the Golden Gloves champ from the previous year, who would go on to win a gold medal alongside Cassius Clay at the Rome 1960 Summer Olympics. Many of the other fighters add warm inscriptions, expressing gratitude and admiration to the renowned boxing trainer. In fine condition. Accompanied by an unsigned version of a Golden Gloves class photo, showing Clay at the far left of the first row, stamped on the reverse by the Chicago Tribune. Consignor notes that this originated from Pop Howard's granddaughter.

In March 1959, the 17-year-old Cassius Clay traveled from Louisville, Kentucky to Chicago to compete in the Golden Gloves Finals. With two Kentucky Golden Gloves championships under his belt, Clay was competing on a national level for the first time. Besides the chance to win a title and gain national recognition, the young boxers were also given the opportunity to work with legendary Chicago trainer Robert 'Pop' Howard, who had trained many champion fighters including Joe Louis and Tony Zale. Then in his 70s, Howard had dedicated himself to working with the young Golden Gloves amateurs. Clay became one of the amateurs to benefit from Pop's lifetime of boxing knowledge in 1959, attaining his first national championship in boxing. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.