Julien's Auctions is selling a pair of Everlast boxing gloves Muhammad Ali used to demolish Oscar Bonavena in 1970.
They're expected to sell for around $60,000-80,000 in LA on December 3.
 Muhammad Ali fought Oscar Bonavena in New York on December 7, 1970 |
The hotly anticipated fight took place on December 7, 1970, in New York City's Madison Square Garden.
Ali had just returned to professional boxing following the lifting of his ban after his refusal to fight in Vietnam, while Bonavena was a promising young Argentinian fighter with an intimidating record.
Much like Ali, Bonavena had a reputation for winding up his opponents. During the press conference he mocked Ali for not joining the army and repeatedly referred to him as Clay, rather than his chosen name.
In response Ali told the assembled press: "Please! Tell everyone to go to your theatres. I have never had a man that I wanted to whup so bad!"
He made good on his promise, with a gruelling 18 round fight that saw Bonavena knocked down three times.
The interior of each glove is inscribed: "M Ali/ #1/ Bonavena/ 12/7/70/ KO 4."
We have a stunning piece of Ali memorabilia for sale.
Other highlights of the Julien's auction will include more selections from the collection of Brazilian football legend Pele.
These will include a Santos shirt Pele wore during a 1971 match against Chelsea in Kingston, Jamaica. It's valued at $8,000-10,000.
