Muhammad Ali training robe from 1975 Bugner fight up for auction

A training robe Muhammad Ali wore as he prepared for his heavyweight bout is selling at PFC Auction

A robe worn by Muhammad Ali while in training for his 1975 fight with Joe Bugner is currently featuring at PFC Auctions' online auction.

Embroidered with "MUHAMMAD ALI" on the back, Ali wore the robe in the run up to his successful defence of the heavyweight championship crown in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on June 30, 1975.

The robe comes with a letter of authenticity from trainer Angelo Dundee

Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from his much missed long-time trainer Angelo Dundee, who has also signed the sleeve, the superb piece of sporting history has a £2,000 (approx. $3,185) minimum bid.

Thought at the time to be his last fight, Ali would go on beat Joe Frazier at the "Thrilla in Manila" later in the year, before eventually retiring in 1981.

The growing demand for Ali-worn memorabilia suggests that this is prime territory for investment-minded collectors.

The trunks Ali wore in his "Fight of the Century" against Joe Frazier in 1971 made $173,102 in November of last year, setting a new world record for boxing memorabilia at auction.

Ali's trunks from the "Thrilla" bout made $155,350 earlier this year, just four months after auctioning for $100,000 - a 55.3% increase in value.

While Ali's apparel is performing well at auction, his autograph remains vastly undervalued.

Ali's signature is currently priced at £1,200, or $1,900, according to the recently updated PFC40 Autograph Index. Tiger Woods' autograph, in comparison, is currently valued higher at £1,750 ($2,790), yet Ali will have the greater longevity on the collectibles market.

Those looking to invest in this area before prices reach their true potential should view our two superb Ali autographs available to buy right now.

The auction runs until September 27.

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