Unseen Photos of Muhammad Ali Discovered in Grandfather’s Garage
A set of remarkable photographs featuring Muhammad Ali, never seen before, have recently come to light. These images, captured nearly six decades ago by the renowned Daily Mirror photographer Albert Cooper, were found in a bag tucked away inside a cardboard box in a garage. The negatives were finally developed for the first time by Albert’s grandson, Matthew King. Albert vividly recalled the details of the 1966 assignment upon seeing the negatives.
The pictures, showcasing the world’s most iconic boxer at a pivotal moment, were a thrilling find for Matthew. He shared, “The Muhammad Ali negatives were tucked in a small brown bag labeled with Ali’s name. When we discovered the undeveloped negatives, I was ecstatic. Examining them closely under the light, they revealed exceptional quality.” Albert, now 89 years old, spent numerous years working for the Mirror, with this particular assignment documenting Ali’s bout against Brian London in London’s Earls Court in 1966.
Matthew, recognizing the significance of his grandfather’s work, has embarked on archiving the collection to preserve it for future generations. Setting up an Instagram account to showcase the photographs, Matthew expressed the importance of curating and safeguarding these valuable images. He has dedicated countless hours to this labor of love, ensuring that his grandfather’s legacy endures through special exhibitions, with upcoming displays planned in Manchester.
Delving deeper into Albert’s career, Matthew uncovered his profound involvement in historic football matches, notably the 1966 World Cup final and the 1990 World Cup semi-final. Albert’s proudest photograph captured a poignant moment of Paul Gascoigne during the 1990 World Cup, while his most challenging shot featured the Charlton brothers in a tense football scene.
Matthew’s commitment to preserving his grandfather’s legacy underscores the significance of these timeless photographs, illustrating pivotal moments in sports history for future generations to appreciate.