Muhammad Ali’s most famous boxing glove is set to sell for up to £6million when it goes under the hammer.
The mitt was worn by the ring king – then known as Cassius Clay – during a legendary bout with Brit fighter, Henry Cooper, in London in 1963.
He was knocked down in round four of the fight only to be saved by the bell.
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The restart was then delayed after a tear mysteriously appeared in his left glove.
His corner man, Angelo Dundee, later admitted pushing his finger into the glove to delay the start of round five.
Clay, aka Ali, then went on to stop Cooper on cuts.
Now, that glove is for sale with Stuart Bull Auctions in Chard, Somerset, and is estimated to fetch seven figures.
It had been returned to the manufacturer, Baily’s, after the fight for inspection, and then remained securely stored on their premises until acquired by the vendor’s family.
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The auction house has produced a 65-page research document which includes letters from the factory and a full list of staff involved in making it.
Baily’s founded in the 19th century was a tannery producing sheepskin rugs and gloves, branched out into manufacturing sports equipment in the 20th century and made boxing gloves for the likes of Clay, Henry Cooper and Floyd Patterson.
Clay’s glove is made from aniline cape hair sheep skin is a vibrant cerise-red colour.
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The original cotton lining and cotton two and two twill weave stay tape lace and full and pronounced D shape thumb guard are still present and the glove also bears a 2.5 cm cut/tear to the knuckle.
The British Boxing Board of Control commissioned Baily’s to make both gloves ahead of the fight as reported by What’s The Jam.
It is thought the right-hand glove now belongs to the Qatari Royal Family.
The glove is being sold together with documentation including a handwritten letter from the late Richard Mayers, Managing Director of Baily’s attesting that the glove is genuine.
The letter reads: “I declare this glove to be genuine.
“I’ve always been aware of its significance, safety and provenance”.
A copy of Mayer’s Curriculum Vitae, Deeds to the Baily’s Factory and a black and white Mirror Press Photograph taken of Cooper knocking Clay to the canvas in round 4 of the bout (22 x 17cm) are also being sold with the glove.
The glove is being sold in an online auction which ends on October 31.
Auctioneer Stuart Bull estimates the glove, currently being kept in a secret vault, could sell for over £4million.
“We like to think we’re around about £4million to £6million, probably more,” he said.
Ali – regarded as one the best sportsmen of all time – died aged 76 in 2016.
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