Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes
Heavyweight Boxing Champions and Hall of Famers · Sports - Professional Boxing
World Heavyweight Championship (WBC)
Era
Post-retirement, likely late 1980s to early 2000s
Item Type
Framed 8x10 or 11x14 dual-signed photograph
Condition
Excellent; signatures are vibrant with minimal fading; framing appears professional with minor dust.
Rarity
Moderate; while both signed many items, dual-signed pieces of this specific fight are highly sought after.
Overall Assessment
A high-quality collector's piece featuring two of the greatest heavyweights; excellent display value and historical significance.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic; both signatures display characteristic flow and letter formation consistent with known exemplars. Confidence level: High (85% pending physical inspection).
Signature Style
Ali: Scripted 'Muhammad Ali' with loop-style M and A. Holmes: Larger, vertical-slanted 'Larry Holmes' with a loop on the L.
Signature Characteristics
Ali: Heavy ink flow, characteristic 't' cross failure (often omitted). Holmes: Sharp upward angles and distinctive 'H' in Holmes.
Ink & Medium
Gold or silver paint pen (metallic marker) on a glossy photo print.
Item Description
A color action photograph of the 1980 'The Last Hurrah' fight between Larry Holmes and Muhammad Ali at Caesars Palace.
Estimated Value
$600 - $1,200 USD depending on certification
Comparison to Known Examples
Consistent with 'Mid-Era' Ali signatures where the tremors were present but the signature remained legible.
Authentication Tips
Look for Ali’s 'shake' in later years; early fakes are often too smooth. Holmes' 'L' should have a distinct loop and vertical height.
Certification Recommendation
PSA/DNA or JSA (James Spence Authentication)
Red Flags
Check for 'slow' ink pooling, which indicates a tracing; ensure the metallic ink has not bubbled.
Provenance Notes
Valuable pieces often include a Steiner Sports or Online Authentics hologram; photos of the signing increase value significantly.
Historical Context
This photo depicts Ali's penultimate fight where he lost his title to his former sparring partner, Larry Holmes.
Market Trends
Ali’s market has stabilized as a blue-chip investment; dual-signed items with opponents see higher growth than solo Ali photos.
Investment Potential
Strong; Ali is the most collected athlete in history, and his supply is permanently fixed.
Similar Autographs
Mike Tyson, Joe Frazier, George Foreman
Display & Preservation
Use UV-protective TruVue glass; metallic ink is prone to flaking if exposed to direct sunlight or moisture.
Interesting Facts
Holmes famously cried after winning this fight because he hated to beat his idol and friend, Ali.