Hobby Ideas

USA TODAY, the nation’s top-selling print newspaper, has published a 64-page, a special edition entitled “Ali: Celebrating 50 years on the world stage.” The special edition honors the anniversary of a young Cassius Clay’s 1960 Olympic gold win, follows a 50-year career of athletic and personal greatness and examines what Muhammad Ali means to the world today in a series of personal essays from contributors including President Barack Obama.

Like many sports enthusiasts growing up in the 70’s, Muhammad Ali was indeed a larger then life figure. Who can forget what was billed as the “Fight of the Century” between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, two undefeated fighters and considered the best there ever was. At that time I was intimidated by Ali and his “trash talking” style. But, as age and wisdom set in it became clear this man was far smarter then any ordinary boxer. Ali was a masterful self-promoter and the rest of the world would sit back, learn and try to emulate someone who would one day be voted as “Athlete of the Century”. There are countless books, biographies and opinions written about this extraordinary man, so I won’t regurgitate.

Soon I noticed a growing admiration for Ali. And, that admiration would evolve into a collecting passion for vintage boxing memorabilia, starting of course with Ali material. About 25 years ago I wrote Ali a letter. So, when a couple months later, when a response arrived you can imagine how magical of experience it was. Muhammad Ali, the greatest athlete of the 20th century taking the time to write back. Not, only that but he autographed and personally inscribed two photos and added about 10 signed Muslim pamphlets. And, unlike many celebrities Ali signs everything himself as he considers it at act that brings him one step closer to God. So, no one is allowed to sign his name on autograph requests (as he stated on 60 Minute interview with Morley Safer).

What is a boxing collectible or memorabilia?

Most boxing or Ali collectors, pursue autographed memorabilia like signed boxing photos, gloves and shoes. Then there are original fight posters, programs and ticket stubs. One of my earliest Ali pieces was an original ticket for the Ali vs Liston fight in 1965. But, fight posters are my favorite. They not only display some great artwork and graphics (such as the Leroy Neiman Ali-Frazier fight poster) but they are evidence of sports history, placing us back in time when that exciting event occurred. But, the most popular memorabilia overall is probably autographed memorabilia, because here is an item that was held in the hands of and signed by the admired celebrity. A moment of his or her time captured on paper or a photo.

Here can someone acquire such valuable memorabilia?

Many people turn to online auctions like eBay. However, there is one BIG rsik to that strategy. MOST of the autographed items on eBay are fake. It is estimated about 90% of all autographs on eBay are secretarial or outright forgeries. And, these are usually the items that sell cheaply on eBay because those who have the expertise to KNOW what is real and what is fake, are NOT the ones bidding on fake material. Two autograph authentication organizations PSA and JSA are considered the most reputable third party authentication services. Most of the reputable auction houses and dealers use one of these companies. And, when their COA is attached to an autographed piece you will most certainly see it sell for much more than the same kind of item without one. And, this does not include any dealer or seller COAs as even autograph forgers provide COAs because eBay requires it.

COAs are worthless unless they are from a reputable dealer who offers a lifetime guarantee of authenticity, which eBay forgers cannot do because they usually won’t be around long enough for you to return the items. Look for reputable dealers that offer lifetime guarantees and have been around for at least five years. Also, does the web site have REAL testimonials, not the “fake” testimonials with only initials of supposed customers. And, when you see an item that should sell for $500 being sold online for $100, a red flag should go up. There are a couple of web sites that sell forgeries for a small fraction of what an authentic piece would sell for.

Do your homework, be vigilant and in the end own a piece of history, like a stunning photo of Muhammad Ali, the Athlete of the Century, hanging on your wall.