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Muhammad Ali Autographs; Just how many really exist?

Hello all, I am a huge boxing fan and boxing memorabilia collector. I have decided to pursue the coveted heavyweight champ autograph. I have started to do my research and know that somewhere around 2016 a flood of forgeries hit the market after he passed away.

I have been eyeing a particular website auctioning authenticated Ali autographs. I have purchased sport related items for my brother as a gift from this website as I have been 100% satisfied. However, the only concern I have is the number of autographs they have for sale by Ali. I wouldn’t purchase Ali’s signature without a authentication. The champ left us 4 years ago but my main question is how many signings or how often did Muhammad Ali do signings while he was still healthy enough to do?

For those who have collected or witnessed an Ali signature, what is the average value of a signed Muhammad Ali 8x10 or 16X20 picture? Any other tips is appreciated. Thank you so much.

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Permalink Reply by Steve on March 27, 2020 at 9:39pm

Ali signed a ton. I never saw him say no to anyone. He did several shows a year including the National. He had a contract with Steiner. I got him to sign three 16x20 photos and boxing gloves at a show where he signed for hours, then afterward I saw him walking in the hotel lobby and he gladly signed a sports illustrated for me. What a class act, nobody like him. I would definitely buy one from an accredited source since there are so many forgeries though.

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Permalink Reply by Dan Morris on March 27, 2020 at 11:01pm

I agree with Steve. Ali signed and signed and was great to his fans and there is unlikely to be a shortage for many years if ever so many dealers have dozens and possibly hundreds of items for sale

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Permalink Reply by Owen Smith on March 28, 2020 at 8:36am

Ali signed thousands of Islamic leaflets if you want to start you collection there. I have never see a fake one of these. These leaflets go for about £100-£150 each in the UK at the moment.

As for photo's and Gloves/objects he again, signed thousands of items - no exaggeration. But there are also many fakes of course.

He took part of many business sign sessions over the years but slowed down in the early 2000s when his health declined and signing became problematic for him.

I have collected Ali items since the 90's, even writing to him on his ranch in Berrien Springs. He always replied.

Purchase from a reputable dealer and you should be ok, or if you are unsure, ask here. Remember Ali's autograph changed with the times and as his health deteriorated. I have items signed in the 70s which are nothing like an item I have signed from the 90s; the most notable difference is the size of his autograph which became small.

It is a little hard to gauge a price range for Ali items because people always over price things that they have for sale. It all depends on what image and sized image you want. And of course whether it is framed/framed with a ticket/program, or dual signed with Ali.