It's the first piece we've encountered bearing the signatures of these men separated by decades but undeniably linked both by their reigns on the pugilistic throne and the great adversity each faced for their brave stands against the racial status quo. Clearly the owner of this Johnson signed volume of "Jack Johnson...In the Ring and Out," saw the parallels himself, approaching Ali just two days before his successful title defense against Ron Lyle to get a matching autograph on the interior cover of the 1927 book. The first black Heavyweight titleholder signs in his standard, "Jack Johnson, Former Champion" in 9/10 black fountain pen ink. Ali's autograph is equally bold in black marker, underscored by a "5/14/75, Champ." The first edition volume is complete with its dust jacket and exhibits some minor aging and handling wear on the covers, but it's the autographs that matter here, and it's a beautiful, possibly one-of-a-kind pairing. Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from Beckett Authentication Services (BAS).