This rare vintage 1970s Muhammad Ali collectible, first marketed as a childrens’ toy, comes with its original packaging— which has been hand-signed by Ali in bold black felt-tip marker, directly on the front of the box.
A 4-foot tall inflatable punching bag, The Muhammad Ali “Bop Bag” features a full length photographic image of Ali in the ring, both hands gloved and raised at chest height. Above Ali’s image are the words “THE CHAMP”, and at the base of his photograph are printed a large facsimile signature “Muhammad Ali”, with the word “Peace” printed just below.
The Bop Bag comes with its original full-color packaging box, which has an image of the Ali Bop Bag on all four sides of the box; all four sides, plus the top and bottom of the box, are also printed with “MUHAMMAD ALI BOP BAG” in bold red and blue capital letters.
Manufactured in 1976 by the Mego Corp. of New York, the Muhammad Ali Bop Bag box bears the 1976 copyright of “Herbert Muhammad Enterprises Inc.”. (Some original print advertisements for the Ali Bop Bag can be viewed in the auction images.)
Jabir Herbert Muhammad was Muhammad Ali’s longtime manager, beginning in 1966 when he took over Ali's management after the expiry of Ali's management agreement with the Louisville Sponsoring Group, until Ali's retirement in 1981. Muhammad negotiated the first multimillion-dollar earnings for any athlete, starting with the $2.5 million Ali earned for the Frazier vs Ali “Fight of the Century” in March 1971 and including the $5.5 million purse Ali achieved for the Foreman vs Ali “Rumble in the Jungle” in Zaire in 1974. Muhammad was considered one of the most powerful figures in boxing in the 1960s and 1970s, achieving the International Boxing Hall of Fame's 1974 “Manager of the Year” award. He continued to manage Ali's career for another ten years after his retirement from boxing.
In addition to the Bop Bag and its original, signed packaging box, is a vintage custom-made lucite protective display case, with a hinged top, designed to protect and display the signed box. The packaging box shows some expected wear, commensurate with age, and comes protected and preserved within its lucite presentation case.
Ali’s signature has been examined and authenticated by James Spence Authentication (JSA), and the item is accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from JSA.
An irreplaceable addition for collectors of Muhammad Ali or boxing memorabilia!