1964 Sports Illustrated featuring Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay), issued just before the historic Sonny Liston heavyweight championship fight. Highly collectible early Ali appearance with strong crossover appeal in boxing and sports history.

This is a high-end, collector-quality example of the iconic February 24, 1964 Sports Illustrated featuring Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay) at the pivotal moment just before becoming heavyweight champion.

This is not a typical 8.5.

This copy presents with exceptional eye appeal, strong color, and outstanding display quality — easily competing visually with higher-grade examples.

🥊 WHY THIS PIECE MATTERS

• EARLY ALI (CASSIUS CLAY) APPEARANCE – one of the most important periods in sports history
• Issued during Ali’s rise to the heavyweight championship
• Strong crossover appeal: boxing, sports, and cultural history collectors
• Increasingly difficult to find in high-grade CGC slabs with strong presentation

🔍 CONDITION & PRESENTATION

• CGC 8.5 (Excellent+)
• Off-white to white pages
• Clean, vibrant cover with strong eye appeal
• Displays like a higher-grade example

👉 This is the type of copy advanced collectors upgrade to.

💎 STANDOUT FACTOR

Not all graded copies are equal.

This example has:
✔ Superior visual presentation
✔ Strong centering and color
✔ Excellent display appeal for framing or high-end collection

📈 MARKET POSITION

High-grade early Ali material continues to see strong long-term demand, especially for visually appealing slabbed examples.

These do not surface frequently in this condition with this level of eye appeal.

🚚 SHIPPING

Professionally packed, fully insured, and handled with care.

💰 PRICE

$795 OBO

Serious offers welcomed.

If you’ve been waiting for a high-quality early Ali piece, this is the one.