His fierce struggles and noble commitments outside the ring have made him a legend. To pay tribute to Muhammad Ali, Montblanc has enriched its Great Characters Collection, launched in 2009 to celebrate the achievements of those who have left their mark on our era, with a new chapter dedicated to the unrivaled boxing champion. Three editions rich in symbols, which, through their ingenuity and sophisticated style, etch the legendary Muhammad Ali indelibly onto the list of the Greats of this world.
Cassius Clay (1942-2016), also known as Muhammad Ali, won his first gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome. On this occasion, the world discovered the young boxing prodigy born in Louisville, Kentucky. Quickly, the athlete climbed the ranks and disrupted the sports world by becoming the world heavyweight champion in 1964 against the invincible Sonny Liston. In the aftermath, he converted to Islam and officially adopted the name Muhammad Ali. His ascent was then met with too prominently displayed personal convictions; advocating for civil rights and peace, and his refusal to participate in the Vietnam War led to the loss of his boxing license. He regained it in 1970 and made history eight years later by winning his third world championship title in the heavyweight category.
The Montblanc Great Characters Muhammad Ali Collection glorifies the achievements of the man commonly known as “The Greatest”. On the limited edition 98 – named in reference to the year 1998 when Muhammad Ali was appointed a Messenger of Peace by the United Nations –, the cap in the shape of a punching bag features an inlay of solid 18-carat gold representing a pair of boxing gloves hanging. The blue guilloché lacquering recalls the texture of the bandages Muhammad Ali wore to protect his hands, and the inscription “W15 (15)” echoes his victory against Leon Spinks on September 15, 1978, after 15 rounds. Not to mention the laurel wreath, the skeletonized clip in yellow gold modeled like a championship belt, and many other emblems highlighted by Montblanc’s technical prowess.
