Additional Coverage:
- ‘Antiques Roadshow’ guest brings Muhammad Ali’s shoes but gets disappointing news from the expert (marketrealist.com)
A guest on “Antiques Roadshow” hoped to strike gold with a pair of Muhammad Ali’s boxing boots, purportedly worn during the legendary “Thrilla in Manila.” While the boxing icon’s footwear certainly carries significant value, the guest’s hopes were dashed by a lack of proper documentation.
The guest claimed the boots were gifted to him by Ali’s coach, Angelo Dundee, after the 1975 fight. He even produced a note from Dundee confirming their provenance. According to the guest, Ali continued to use the boots for training after the historic match until they were eventually damaged.
Appraiser Grant Zahajko expressed his intrigue but explained that establishing provenance requires more than just a compelling story. Unfortunately for the guest, Zahajko’s research revealed another pair of boots already certified as authentic “Thrilla in Manila” footwear. This left the guest surprised and disappointed.
Zahajko estimated the guest’s boots could still fetch $15,000 to $20,000 at auction. However, with proper authentication, Ali’s fight-worn shoes have commanded six-figure sums. This highlights the critical importance of documentation in verifying the history and value of such unique items.