Rare Cassius Clay Signed & Inscribed Autograph, 1961. Auto JSA CGC

The Greatest Makes A Bold Prediction!

An incredible early Cassius Clay autograph, boldly signed and inscribed, “Next Champion of the World, Cassius Clay, Best of Luck, 1961.” Measuring approximately 4.5” x 4”, the piece dates to the very beginning of his professional career and features an extraordinary prediction of what was still to come.

Just one year earlier, the 18-year-old Clay captured Olympic Gold in Rome before turning professional. By 1961, the 19-year-old phenom was quickly building his undefeated record—and already telling the world exactly where he was headed. Less than three years later, Clay shocked Sonny Liston to become Heavyweight Champion of the World. Shortly thereafter, he adopted the name Muhammad Ali.

After changing his name, Ali stopped signing “Cassius Clay,” making authentic period examples from his early career particularly scarce. He would occasionally sign the name again much later in life, but those examples typically exhibit the smaller, shakier penmanship associated with his later years. This piece features the large, flowing signature of a young fighter on the verge of becoming a global icon.

More than simply an early autograph, the “Next Champion of the World” inscription perfectly captures the confidence and personality that would come to define Ali—written years before his prediction became reality.

Authenticated and Encapsulated by JSA/CGC.

Ships FedEx/UPS/USPS with Insurance.