The Beatles and Muhammad Ali in the Ring, Miami Beach, 1964

The Beatles pose with “The Greatest”, Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali), at the Fifth Street Gym on Miami Beach, 1964. (Stamped Signature)

The Beatles, in Miami Beach to perform on the Ed Sullivan Show on their first tour of the United States, were taken to the training camp of boxer Cassius Clay, later known as Muhammad Ali. Clay was preparing for his February fight against heavyweight champion Sonny Liston, the current heavyweight champion. Liston was heavily favored to win the fight; even the Beatles thought Clay would lose the fight. Actually, Liston refused to meet with The Beatles. But after Clay arrived to meet The Beatles who were growing inpatient, he won them over with his charm and overwhelming presence. Clay and The Beatles joked around in the ring and had the members of the press laughing. Clay picked up Ringo and held him under his arm for the media. He also wrote a poem. When Liston reads about the Beatles visiting me, he’ll be so mad I’ll knock him out in three. (“Three” meaning the third round of the fight) Clay defeated Liston and became the next Heavy Weight Champion of the World. After an appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in New York City on February 9th, 1964, the “Fab Four” traveled to Miami Beach. There the group made their second appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show inside the Deauville Hotel. About 2,600 people attended to hear a set that included: She Loves You, I Saw Her Standing There, I Wanna Be Your Man, From Me To You, and This Boy. 

This Muhammad Ali and The Beatles photo is estate stamped.