Muhammad Ali v. Ken Norton 31st March 1973, two signed original carbon copies contracts
Muhammad Ali v. Ken Norton 31st March 1973, two signed original carbon original contracts, one signed by Muhammad Ali the other by Ken Norton, dated 16th February 1973 as well as their retrospective matchmakers and Eddie Futch as manager of Norton and a collection of original agreements, most signed, licensing, broadcasters letters and written agreement signed by Bob Arum, 4 page written fight agreement signed by Lou Lake, written agreement for the rights to print the fight programme, written agreement for a the management and promoter of Ken Norton to act as such during the fight, written lease agreement for the Ali vs Norton fight to take place in San Diego signed, written 11 page exhibitor agreement for Ali vs Norton fight, written agreement for PR representatives for the Ali vs Norton fight, written agreement that if Ali loses to Norton in their first fight and a rematch is scheduled LLCF shall have first refusal to promote the fight, Top Rank written agreement regarding Ali vs Norton signed by Bob Arum, written agreement for Holiday Fighters (Sports Promotions) to be able to promote Ken Norton following the Ali fight, written banking confirmation confirming that $40,000 will be sent following the Ali vs Norton fight, from California State Athletic Commission regarding Ali vs Norton referee options and fees, confirmation letter for lease agreement for San Diego Sports Arena for the Ali vs Norton fight, letter to Lee Fruin regarding the accommodation Headquarters for the Ali vs Norton fight, San Diego covering letter for the exhibitor agreement for the San Diego Sports Arena, Athletic commission letter discussing licensing for the San Diego Sports Arena, confirmation letter discussing funding and receipts for the Ali vs Norton ticket sales, 2 page document discussing lease agreement for the fight, 2 page document highlighting partners and investors from Sports Promotions Inc, confirmation letter discussing expenses and headquarters of the Ali training camp for the Norton fight, 2 page confirmation of payroll for the undercard fighters of the Ali vs Norton fight, State Athletic Commission finance report for tickets sold and finances for the Ali vs Norton tickets sold, Confirmation letter for revenue received for the Ali vs Norton fight, Sports Promotions Inc distribution of profits letter for Ali vs Norton, original 3 page State Athletic Commission license to hold Ali vs Norton fight in San Diego, San Diego Sports Arena floor plan for Ali vs Norton and breakdown of ticket locations and cost, original 10x8 photograph of the San Diego Sports Arena and small collection of newspaper clippings Lou Lake and Lee Fruin promoting the Ali vs Norton fight.
This is the collection of original contracts and agreements that made the Ali vs Norton first fight take place. In 1972 Cornelius E “Lee” Fruin partnered with Lou Lake to form LLCF Promotions to promote the contest. This collection originated from the estate of Lee Fruin.
Lou Lake met Ken Norton when they were in the Marines near San Diego, Lou had coached Norton in boxing. Ali's promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank and Norton"s promoter, Holiday Fighters, signed contracts with LLCF Promotions to stage the fight.
When Fruin passed away in 1993, this collection was inherited by his wife Elizabeth Fruin, who then gave the package of fight promotion documents to his close friend and work colleague David C Wilson saying, “Lee wanted you to have this" to thank him for all the help David had given him in his later years. On David’s passing they were then inherited and sold by his Sister, Sharon to the consignor.