The gloves that Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) wore in his first world heavyweight championship win, against Sonny Liston, have auctioned with outstanding results.
They sold for $836,500 at Heritage Auctions' February 22-23 Sports Collectibles Platinum Night Auction in New York.
 The gloves achieved a 116.7% increase in value in less than two years |
Consigned from Ali's hall of fame trainer Angelo Dundee's estate, the gloves achieved a 116.7% increase on the $385,848 paid for the pair at auction in 2012.
While an impressive sum, the sale has not broken the boxing memorabilia world record.
UFC fighter Lorenzo Fertitta is reported to have paid $1.1m for the gloves worn by Ali during his 1965 title fight against Floyd Patterson, at Ali's 70th birthday gala in February 2012.
Ali, then known by his birth name Cassius Clay, was a relative newcomer at the time of his 1964 bout in Miami Beach, while Liston had comfortably secured the world heavyweight championship as his own with two decisive wins against Paterson.
Nonetheless, the Louisville Lip continued his characteristic goading of Liston, and tensions were high as fight night approached, with the room erupting into a brawl as the Big Bear charged at the self-proclaimed Champ. All but three of the 46 writers who were ringside on the night predicted a knockout for Liston.
 The gloves are inscribed by Angelo Dundee, and were once part of the estate of the legendary trainer |
Yet Ali's famous self-belief and energy propelled him to victory, despite begging Angelo Dundee to cut his gloves off due to burning in his eyes (the cause of much controversy).
As the seventh round was about to get underway, Liston told his corner men "that's it" - becoming the first champion to quit on his stool since 1919.
The gloves are inscribed in Dundee's hand: "Clay Feb. 25 KO Liston", along with Dundee's autograph on the interior wrist.
Also selling at Heritage was the only game used bat from Shoeless Joe Jackson's Major League career and Babe Ruth's Yankees pocket watch. Read more here.
Muhammad Ali's first championship win propelled him into the spotlight - we are currently selling this fantastic signed photograph of his meeting with the Beatles.
