Montblanc Great Characters/ Muhammad Ali

There are some athletes who live forever in sports history.

Only a few athletes have become three-time Heavyweight Champions of the world, and one of them is, of course, Muhammad Ali. A global cultural icon, widely known by the epithet “The Greatest“, he is often regarded as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time. As an athlete, Ali shook up the world with his strength, skill, and personality, becoming Heavyweight Champion of the world at just 22 years old. Outside boxing, Ali attained success as a spoken word artist, releasing two studio albums: I Am the Greatest! (1963) and The Adventures of Ali and His Gang vs. Mr. Tooth Decay (1976). Both albums received Grammy Award nominations.

Special edition – Fountain pen, Rollerball pen, Ballpoint pen

Designed with attention to every detail, this piece is made from deep black resin. The cap mirrors the shape of a punching bag, while the barrel reflects the look of hand wraps used by boxers. Engraved on the cap are symbolic elements, including one of Muhammad Ali’s iconic quotes and a butterfly motif, paying tribute to his legendary phrase: “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” The cone is shaped to echo that same idea, featuring four engraved lines symbolizing the ropes of a boxing ring. Other engravings honor his historic wins — from his gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics to his first heavyweight title in 1964, which he secured with a technical knockout in the seventh round. These details are inscribed on the cap ring. To mark this early triumph, the white resin Montblanc emblem is subtly marked with the number 1. The clip takes the form of a championship belt and proudly bears Ali’s name. Completing the tribute is a handcrafted yellow gold nib, elegantly shaped like a boxing glove.

Limited edition 1942 – Fountain pen & Rollerball pen

Taking inspiration from the robe Muhammad Ali wore during his iconic 1974 fight in Kinshasa, Zaire, the cap is finished with a lacquer design that echoes that memorable pattern. The gold-toned barrel features a motif reminiscent of the wraps boxers use to protect their hands. A golden butterfly appears on the cap, paying homage to Ali’s signature style and legendary phrase: “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” The cone extends that tribute with four lacquered lines, symbolizing the ropes of a boxing ring. Inscriptions here commemorate Ali’s famous victory in the 1974 bout famously known as the Rumble in the Jungle, where he reclaimed the heavyweight title with an eighth-round technical knockout. These details are also highlighted on the cap ring.

Additionally, the cone includes a nod to his 1975 clash dubbed the Thrilla in Manila. In celebration of his second world title, the Montblanc emblem, crafted in white precious resin, is marked with the number 2. A belt-shaped clip, reminiscent of a championship title belt, bears Ali’s name. Completing this tribute is a handcrafted bi-color 18k gold nib, elegantly engraved with a boxing glove.

Limited edition 98 – Fountain pen

The cap takes the form of a classic punching bag, detailed with intricate guilloche lacquer work and inlaid with hand-engraved solid 18k gold, showcasing symbols like a boxing glove and a dove of peace. Engraved on the front section are Muhammad Ali’s six guiding principles. To honor his third heavyweight title, the Montblanc emblem on the cap features the number 3, crafted from solid 18k gold. On the cap ring, his iconic victory pose is paired with the inscription “TKO-W-7 (15),” marking his win by technical knockout in the seventh round of a 15-round match. The clip design draws from the championship belt Ali wore with pride—skeletonized and engraved with his name, “ALI.” The barrel pays tribute to the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky, reflecting the vibrant colored windows of the building.

The cone, made of solid 18k gold with engraved details and lacquer inlays, carries the inscription “NEW ORLEANS 1978 – NEW YORK 1998,” highlighting two significant milestones: his third world championship victory and the year he was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace. This edition is limited to just 98 fountain pens, symbolizing the year 1998.

Special edition Fountain pen

Special edition Rollerball pen

Special edition Ballpoint pen

Limited edition 1942 Fountain pen

Limited edition 1942 Rollerball pen

Limited edition 98 Fountain pen