Muhammad Ali's Weigh-In Robe
Owner
Muhammad Ali
(American, 1942 - 2016)
Maker
Everlast
(American, founded 1910)
Date1965
ClassificationsPop Culture
DimensionsOverall: 46 x 30 in. (116.8 x 76.2 cm)
DescriptionA terry cloth white robe worn by boxer Muhammad Ali prior to his boxing match against Sonny Liston on May 25, 1965. The robe has two external pockets and is closed with a belt of matching terry cloth that is present. The sleeves are closed with zippers, both of which are present though the one has lost its pull-tab. The back of the robe reads in red embroidery, “MUHAMMAD ALI." The robe shows heavy use, with the toning from age throughout and many stains, presumably from sweat and liniments, particularly on the left side of the garment. There is an Everlast label sewn inside the collar. The label has faded from age and laundering but remains intact.This robe was the first to feature his newly-adopted name of Muhammad Ali, after changing his name from Cassius Clay. In early 1964, boxer Cassius Clay joined the Nation of Islam, changing his name to Cassius X. On March 6, 1964, he changed his name again to Muhammad Ali, citing his birth name’s ties to slavery. Ali fought for the first time under his new name in his May 25, 1965, WBC Heavyweight title defense against Sonny Liston in Lewiston, Maine. Ali defeated Liston for the second time in fifteen months in a first-round knockout. Ali wore this terry cloth robe during his weighing in ceremony hours before the fight – his first boxing appearance as Muhammad Ali.
Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Clay, (1942-2016) was considered one of the most important sports figures of the 20th century and is arguably the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time.
In the ring, Ali often sought the spotlight with high profile matches against top opponents such as George Foreman, Sonny Liston, and Joe Frazier. He is the only three-time lineal heavyweight champion with a 56-5 professional boxing record.
Outside the ring, Ali’s beliefs as a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War saw him convicted of draft evasion. His anti-war stance earned him respect in the counterculture movement of the 1960s. His prominent status in the African American community also made him a leading figure in the civil rights movement.
Ali’s legacy transcends sports. His thoughts on social and personal responsibility make him one of the most influential Americans in modern history.
