Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali; born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. (January 17, 1942), American former professional boxer, generally considered among the greatest heavyweights in the history of the sport, single handwritten cue card with excerpt from a larger speech. Not actually autographed, but written in Ali's hand.

In full, [sic: spelling and grammar quoted exactly to reflect original]: "The White Race know that god wants the Negro to be free. and everything that they can do to oppose it they will try to do it."

Ali, originally known as Cassius Clay, began training at 12 years old and at the age of 22 won the world heavyweight championship in 1964 from Sonny Liston in a stunning upset. Shortly after that bout, Ali joined the Nation of Islam and changed his name. He converted from the Nation of Islam sect to mainstream Sunni Islam in 1975. In a 2004 autobiography, written with daughter Hana Yasmeen Ali, Muhammad Ali attributes his conversion to the shift toward Islam made by Warith Deen Muhammad after he gained control of the Nation of Islam upon the death of Elijah Muhammad in 1975. Later, in 2005, he embraced spiritual practices of Sufis.

Measures 8 x 5 inches. In very good condition with light wear.