# Muhammad Ali artist context and auction value notes

Canonical page: https://appraisily.com/artist/muhammad-ali/
Profile generated: 2026-05-24T23:10:00.000Z
Quality: high confidence, strong sources

## Artist identity

- Birth date: 1942-01-17
- Death date: 2016-06-03
- Nationality: American
- Common media: photography (of subject), limited-edition photographic prints, signed memorabilia

## About Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali (1942–2016), born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., was an American professional boxer and activist widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time. Named Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Century in 1999, Ali transcended sports to become a global cultural icon. He changed his name in 1964 after joining the Nation of Islam and went on to hold the undisputed heavyweight championship twice. His legendary bouts—including fights against Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman—are among the most photographed events in sports history. Collectors encounter Ali's image primarily through limited-edition photographic prints by acclaimed sports photographers, signed memorabilia, posters, and fine-art reproductions rather than works created by Ali himself.

## Common works and media

Collectors and appraisers most commonly encounter Ali-related works as silver gelatin and chromogenic photographic prints, often in sizes from 11×14 to 40×60 inches and produced in limited editions. Signed boxing gloves, robes, trunks, and event posters also appear at auction. Fine-art screen prints and mixed-media works depicting Ali by contemporary artists circulate as well. Photographs documenting key fights—Ali vs. Liston (1964/1965), the Thrilla in Manila (1975), and the aerial shot of Ali vs. Cleveland Williams (1966)—are among the most frequently traded Ali images.

## Market and appraisal context

Muhammad Ali-related items at auction span limited-edition photographic prints, signed memorabilia, vintage posters, and fine-art reproductions. Key valuation factors include the photographer's reputation (Neil Leifer, Howard L. Bingham, and others), edition size, print dimensions, condition, and whether the item carries Ali's autograph or a certificate of authenticity. Iconic fight photographs—particularly from the Liston, Frazier, and Foreman bouts—are among the most valuable Ali images. Official licensed prints are available in editions ranging from 25 to open editions, with prices scaling with rarity and size.

## Appraisily data basis

Appraisily artist pages combine artist identity research with auction records, auction-house context, sale dates, realized prices, and comparable lots when those records are available. For Muhammad Ali, identity data is grounded in Wikidata, VIAF, and the Library of Congress authority file, while market context draws on the official Ali print catalog and published auction-house records.

## Sources

- Wikidata: https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q36107
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Ali
- VIAF: https://viaf.org/viaf/36972485/
- VIAF: https://viaf.org/viaf/256577938/
- Library of Congress: https://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/n79054611
- Muhammad Ali / Neil Leifer: http://ali.com