A new exhibition that provides unprecedented insight into the life of Muhammad Ali has opened in London and an auction of Ali memorabilia conducted in the U.S. will follow.
I Am The Greatest: The Exhibition Dedicated To The Life of Muhammad Ali, runs through August 31 at the O2 Arena.
Graceland Auctions, which bills itself as “the exclusive auction house and authenticator for Muhammad Ali”, has announce
d that it will be holding an “Official Muhammad Ali Enterprises Auction” in the United States this fall. No other details were released Monday, but any rare or valuable Ali items accepted for consignment to the auction will be showcased as part of the London exhibit before making their way back across the pond for the auction.
The exhibition has received extensive media attention and some critical acclaim in Great Britain. It reveals Ali through unseen footage and photographs, rare personal artifacts and technology that aims to allow visitors to feel what it was like to be in the ring with Ali. It includes well over 100 pieces of memorabilia belonging to Ali and more are to be added.
Items on display include a pair of gold boxing gloves signed by Ali and given to Elvis Presley in 1973, his “Three Times World Champion” ring from 1974 and participation medals from the 1960 Rome Olympics where he won a gold medal.
Earlier this year, Graceland Auctions hosted an auction of Elvis memorabilia. Graceland Holdings LLC operates Graceland Auctions.