CLAY, CASSIUS & DREW "BUNDINI" BROWN WORN "BEAR HUNTIN" DENIM JACKET (1964-SIGNED BY ALI)

On February 25, 1964 in Miami Beach young and brash Cassius Clay, the former Olympic Gold Medalist, fought heavyweight champion Sonny Liston with the title on the line. Liston was a prohibitive favorite, but the younger and far quicker Clay out boxed him and ultimately stopped Liston in the 7th round in one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. Ali had nicknamed Liston "the big ugly bear" before this match. Offered here is an original denim jacket which was worn by both Cassius Clay and his cornerman Drew "Bundini" Brown prior to Clay's first fight with Sonny Liston. The back is embroidered with the phrase "Bear Huntin," a reference to Clay's title hunt against Liston. Two of the jackets are known to exist. This particular jacket was worn by both Drew "Bundini" Brown and Cassius Clay as evidenced by photographs of the two wearing it on different occasions. This jacket was originally sold from the Bundini Brown locker sale in April 1988 following his death and still sports the original tag with number RK8892. The jacket was signed, "Muhammad Ali" in gold pen on the front right breast. The signature has been authenticated by PSA/DNA and has their full letter. Full letter from Craig Hamilton on the history of the jacket.
This jacket is blue denim with long sleeves. Attached to the front left breast zipper are two small boxing gloves. Written in black on the gloves are the words, "Miami Beach 1964 The Big Fight." This was added after the fight. On the reverse of the jacket is embroidered the words "Bear Huntin." The word Huntin still has its red embroidery. The word Bear does not. There is a size label for Lee 48 Regular in the collar. The jacket is signed, "Muhammad Ali," on the front right breast. Letters from Craig Hamilton and PSA/DNA. Comes with a photograph showing Cassius Clay wearing the jacket before his first fight with Sonny Liston. Exceptionally rare, and one of the few items relating to any Cassius Clay fight verified to have been used by and worn by Cassius Clay.