Montblanc pays homage to the remarkable athlete and humanitarian through an exclusive collection of limited-edition writing instruments that narrate his journey from a young boxing champion to becoming an inspirational role model.
Within the collector’s line named Great Characters, Montblanc is dedicated to celebrating individuals whose achievements have left a lasting mark on humanity, and whose influence endures to this day. Few athletes have achieved such celebration and tribute as the three-time heavyweight world champion, Muhammad Ali, whose feats in sports and activism for civil rights transformed him into one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. The Montblanc Great Characters Muhammad Ali™ Collection is a reverence to a man who not only challenged opponents in the boxing ring but also used his mind, charisma, and voice as a fervent and tireless advocate for civil rights, sacrificing a significant part of his career to uphold his convictions.
Born as Cassius Clay (1942-2016) in Louisville, Kentucky, Muhammad Ali began his boxing journey at the age of 12 after having his bicycle stolen and following a police officer’s advice: before seeking revenge, learn how to fight. At 18, Ali gained global prominence at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, competing as an amateur light heavyweight and winning the gold medal. Just four years later, he shook the sports world by becoming the world heavyweight champion, the same year he officially adopted the name Muhammad Ali.
Comprising three individual editions, each representing one of his three major victories (1964, 1974, and 1978) — Montblanc Great Characters Muhammad Ali Special Edition, Montblanc Great Characters Muhammad Ali Limited Edition 1942, and Montblanc Great Characters Muhammad Ali Limited Edition 98 — the design of the Montblanc Great Characters Muhammad Ali collection highlights different aspects of his extraordinary life and enduring legacy. The structure of the boxing glove, wrapped around the champion’s hands, is a reference to the art of boxing that Muhammad Ali came to master. Often used to describe his incomparable style in the ring, combining lightness with speed, the words “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” are interpreted in the shape of the pen’s pointed cone to represent the bee, while the butterfly can be found adorning the cap. The pen’s clip features a belt similar to those awarded to champions, the highest reward for all boxers.
To complete the writing experience, the collection also includes a #146 Notebook in Saffiano leather decorated with Muhammad Ali’s silhouette in one of his iconic victory poses, along with a special edition green ink.
Through Montblanc’s passion for design and craftsmanship, the Maison shares the captivating story of a champion who not only left a mark on the world of boxing but also inspired people through his dedication to helping others and tirelessly defending his convictions.
