Montblanc pays homage to an iconic athlete and humanitarian through an exclusive series of limited writing instruments, artfully narrating his journey from a young boxing prodigy to an inspirational role model. Within the prestigious Great Characters collector line, Montblanc commemorates remarkable individuals whose achievements have left an enduring imprint on humanity, their influence resonating even today.
Born Cassius Clay (1942-2016) in Louisville, Kentucky, Muhammad Ali embraced the world of boxing at the age of 12, sparked by the theft of his bicycle and a police officer’s advice to learn to fight before seeking revenge. At 18, he entered the global stage at the 1960 Summer Games in Rome, winning a gold medal as an amateur light heavyweight.
Just four years later, Ali made history in the sports world, becoming the world heavyweight boxing champion and formally adopting the name Muhammad Ali. Beyond his athletic prowess, he channeled his passion into the fight for civil rights and peace. In 1967, when he refused military service, Ali faced suspension of his sports license and the stripping of his world champion title. After a three-and-a-half-year hiatus, he returned to the ring, capturing his second and third world titles.
Muhammad Ali remains unparalleled as the only three-time lineal world heavyweight boxing champion to this day. The Montblanc Great Characters Muhammad Ali™ Collection pays tribute to this extraordinary journey, recognizing not only Ali’s physical prowess but also his enduring commitment to justice and peace.
Montblanc Great Characters Muhammad Ali Special Edition
First on the list is the Montblanc Great Characters Muhammad Ali Special Edition, a distinctive tribute to the legendary boxer. Symbolizing Ali’s achievements, the engraved ropes on the cone represent the boxing ring, and the cap, shaped like a punchbag, adds a unique touch. Matte black precious resin mirrors boxer’s bandages, creating a textured effect.
The gold-coated cone commemorates Ali’s 1960 Summer Games victory, while the cap proudly bears the words ‘I shook up the world.’ The white precious resin emblem on the cap top, adorned with ‘1,’ pays homage to his first world title. Engravings depict Ali’s victory pose and the significant ‘MIAMI 1964’ moment.
Inspired by Ali’s title belt, the skeletonized clip is inscribed with ‘ALI,’ and a laurel wreath symbolizes triumphant victories. The solid Au 585 gold nib honors Ali’s legacy and his iconic boxing gloves. The Montblanc Great Characters Muhammad Ali™ Special Edition seamlessly blends artistry and symbolism to celebrate the enduring spirit of an icon.
Montblanc Great Characters Muhammad Ali Limited Edition 1942
Next on the list is the Limited Edition 1942, which acts as a tribute, encapsulating significant moments in the legendary boxer’s life. Limited to the year of his birth, this edition features a yellow gold-coated bandage design and green lacquered lines representing the boxing ring ropes.
Inspired by the historic ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ fight against George Foreman in 1974, the cap showcases a pattern of white and black lacquer with gold intarsia. The victory pose from the bout is engraved on the yellow gold-coated cap ring, accompanied by ‘KO-W 8 (15)’ denoting a knockout in the 8th of 15 rounds. The white precious resin Montblanc emblem on the cap top is adorned with the number ‘2’ in commemoration of his second world title.
In 1975, the legendary ‘Thrilla in Manila’ fight against Joe Frazier is memorialized on the cone with the inscription ‘KINSHASA 1974 QUEZON CITY 1975.’ The skeletonized clip, inscribed with ‘ALI’ and a star with a laurel wreath, pays homage to his victory belt. The lacquered butterfly on the cap and the solid Au 750 gold bi-color nib, engraved with his iconic boxing glove, add intricate details to this limited edition masterpiece.
Montblanc Great Characters Muhammad Ali Limited Edition 98
Finally, we have the Montblanc Great Characters Muhammad Ali Limited Edition 98. The cap features hand-engraved hanging boxing gloves in solid Au 750 gold, symbolizing Ali’s dedication to the sport. Shaped like a punchbag, the cap reflects his focus, with blue guilloche lacquering resembling bandages.
The cap ring commemorates Ali’s 1978 victory against Leon Spinks, and the cap top bears the number ‘3’ for his third win. The skeletonized victory belt clip, inscribed with ‘ALI’ and a diamond, pays homage to his triumphant legacy. Limited to 98 pens, this edition signifies Ali’s 1998 appointment as a “Messenger of Peace” by the United Nations.
The cap of the Limited Edition 98 features a hand-engraved dove, symbolizing Ali’s commitment to peace. The solid Au 750 gold forepart showcases the Muhammad Ali Cultural Center’s principles. The handcrafted Au 750 yellow gold nib depicts Ali surrounded by six stars, representing his guiding principles. The Montblanc Great Characters Muhammad Ali™ Limited Edition 98 is a tribute to Ali’s enduring legacy and principles in a remarkable fountain pen.
Additional Accessories from the Line
To enhance the writing experience, the collection includes a Saffiano leather Notebook #146 adorned with Muhammad Ali’s iconic victory pose silhouette. Additionally, a green special edition ink complements the set.
The entire line-up can be found via Montblanc’s website with prices beginning at $45 (for ink) and extending to $38,000 for the Limited Edition 98 model.
