Autograph of Muhammad Ali

Original April 1968 issue of Esquire magazine signed by Muhammad Ali on the cover in black marker. The autograph appears on one of the most iconic magazine covers in American publishing history. The signature has been certified authentic.

Created by renowned art director and photographer George Lois, the cover depicts Ali as a modern-day Saint Sebastian, pierced by arrows in reference to the personal and professional consequences of his refusal to be drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. The issue carried the headline “The Passion of Muhammad Ali” and became a defining visual statement of its era.

Muhammad Ali remains one of the most celebrated figures in the history of sport. Olympic gold medalist in 1960, multiple-time world heavyweight champion, and recipient of numerous honors including “Boxer of the Decade” by The Ring, Ali transcended boxing to become a global cultural and humanitarian figure. His rivalry with Joe Frazier remains among the most significant chapters in sports history.

Combining Ali’s authentic signature with a landmark image of twentieth-century visual culture, this signed Esquire magazine represents an important intersection of sport, media, and social history. It is a compelling addition to collections focused on boxing, American culture, and historically significant autographs, while also serving as a meaningful gift for admirers of Muhammad Ali’s legacy.