Muhammad Ali Vietnam Draft Card Expected Fetch Millions Auction

Muhammad Ali's unsigned Vietnam-era military draft card, a powerful symbol of his anti-war stance and the pivotal moment that altered his boxing career, is set to be auctioned online by Christie's from October 10 to 28 with an estimated value between $3 million and $5 million. Issued in 1967 to Cassius Marsellus Clay Jr. (Ali's birth name), the card remains unsigned, reflecting Ali's refusal to participate in the Vietnam War due to his moral and religious convictions, which led to his conviction for draft evasion, loss of his boxing title, and a ban from the sport. The draft card is currently on public display at Rockefeller Center in New York until October 21, allowing the public to connect with this historic artifact that transcends sports memorabilia and embodies a significant moment in civil rights and anti-war movements. Ali’s daughter, Rasheda Ali Walsh, expressed that the sale of the draft card is a way to share her father's legacy of courage and conviction with the world, underscoring its importance beyond just a collectible. Ali, who died in 2016 after battling Parkinson’s disease, remains remembered not only as a three-time heavyweight champion but also as a global symbol of peace, justice, and human rights. The auction highlights the enduring impact of Ali's principled stand against the war and his role in galvanizing public opinion during a turbulent era in American history.