On the offered letter to a fan, Muhammad Ali has penned a large, beautiful, ball point signature--so large he had to put it on two lines! The letter on his pictorial letterhead featuring the smiling Champ uses Ali's "4944 Woodlawn Avenue Chicago , Illinois" address, and was used by Ali in in 1974 to respond to mail from fans and admirers prior to his legendary fight with George Foreman in Zaire, "The Rumble in the Jungle." It reads:
I was delighted to hear from you. You may not think so, but I really appreciate each and every letter that I receive. I feel good now. I'm in good shape and razor sharp. In case you were a little aprehensive regarding my upcoming fight, let me inform you that this is going to be the prettiest, most masterufl upset that boxing has ever seen. I guarantee this, and I coudln't be more serious. Please forgive the brevity of this letter, but I have much to do and must move on. I hope you achieve success in whatever you try to do. Very truly yours, Muhammad Ali.
The letter is classic Ali bravado, which of course he backed up when he knocked out Foreman during their epic brawl. Though this letter is undated, there are other period examples sent to fans and postmarked just before the October 30, 1974 fight, indicating that it is this "upcoming fight" to which Ali is referring, where he was certainly the underdog.
The letter is accompanied by letters of authenticity from PSA/DNA and James Spence Authentication. The letter measures 8 1/2 x 11 inches and presents iwth only the slightest toning. Near Mint condition.