Featured Exhibit
Cassius Clay, Jr. and Sonny Liston Fight Agreement Draft, c. 1963
A partially signed contract for the first fight between Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay, Jr.) and Sonny Liston for the Heavyweight Championship of the World.
On Loan from Lonnie Ali.
The Contract
After months of persistent efforts, Muhammad Ali was finally able to convince Sonny Liston and his management to agree to a fight. The contract was signed November 5, 1963, between Muhammad Ali, Sonny Liston, Inter-Continental Promotions, Inc., and the Louisville Sponsoring Group.
According to the contract terms, the fight would be staged, "...no earlier than January 20, 1964, nor any later than April 15, 1964." Multiple dates and venues were considered for the match, but ultimately it was agreed that it would take place on February 25, 1964, at the Convention Center in Miami, Florida. To the benefit of Ali and his management, the agreement ensured that they would receive 22.5% of the proceeds from the live gate and 22.5% of the proceeds received from the sale of ancillary rights.
