Ali and Foreman Autographs - My Collection

by Robert Parker
(McKinney, Texas)

I am 55 years old and grew up in Oklahoma City, OK, where I as a youngster was able to see both Ali and Foreman. My best friend, Danny Holcomb, me and his father (who was the boxing fan) would go to the Friday night fights. Sean O'Grady's father was the fight promoter, and Sean went to our High School, Northwest Classen. (Sean was a future World Champion!)

Sean had two sisters, both of which had red hair and I was somewhat interested in them (of course!) So, my contact with the boxing world was for various reasons...

I saw George Foreman in October 1970 where he was in exhibition. I said hello (he was in street clothes), shook his hand, and asked if he would autograph the fight program (see picture). I only knew to do this because of Danny's father who suggested it; he said that he would be the champ someday.

On Feb 21, 1972 Muhammad Ali was in OKC and fought an 'exhibition', after the 'fight' he stood in the ring and signed all who asked, but their was a catch; you had to purchase Mohammad Speaks and he would sign that (as there was no fight card). So I purchased and stood at ringside with many others awaiting my turn. Ali's hands were still taped as he signed, and my turn came, he signed without looking at me (as he was speaking to others in the ring).

Well, having just spent an additional dollar (or whatever it was) I was going to get my money's worth, so I folded the Mohammad Speaks in half, turned away (as if to leave), waited a few moments, and turned around and held it out again for another autograph.

Again, in a few moments, he signed (without looking at me) and now I have two! But, being the smartass I was, I am going for three! So, I did the same as before, but this time used the back page. Sure enough, the Champ signed again.....but, this time he looked straight at me, and with most sincerity he said "This is the last one." Busted! Dang if he didn't know about the other two. I was impressed. So I left with my three autographs, sure I could sell one.

I sold the back page for $5 at school the next day to Royce Mullin (we later joined the USMC together). He signed it 'M Ali' in a hurry of course, but for all who asked. (see picture)

I also have a few other autographs and a very close call. The close call was photographer Joe Rosenthal who took the famed photo of the flag raising on Mt. Suribachi.

I was stationed in Washington DC, had found at an antique store an original black and white photo reprint of the original (there were thousands). But in 1980 (I think) Joe Rosenthal was visiting HQMC (where i worked) and when I learned this I went to get my photo (and did so) but upon returning, I just missed him and the opportunity for a once in a lifetime autograph of the most famous photo ever taken.

Oh well.. But I was later able to go to Mt Suribachi on a battle study, climb atop, and take a small rock as a souvenir. I have a picture of the original flag raising autographed by Lt. Wells. He was the platoon commander for the platoon who raised the flag on Suribachi but was wounded and on a hospital ship when it occurred. He wrote a book entitled 'Give me 50 Marines not afraid to die". I met him at the Marine Corps Ball in Dallas, Texas, about 1998.

Later, after I retired from the USMC I taught High School and was a swim coach. My daughter wanted to see Michael Phelps who was going to be in the area giving a swim lesson and a meet and greet. We attended and Michael signed a souvenir cap along with his fellow Gold Medalists.

There are several other stories (I played with a baseball signed by the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers World Series Champs; destroyed it. Hey, I was 5!)

But, thanks for listening to my Ali and Foreman story; I wanted you to see two examples of autographs that I haven't seen any where else.

Sincerely,
Robert L. Parker
MSgt USMC Ret.