THE PEOPLE’S CHAMP

TOPPS’ ONLINE SET LOOKS AT LEGEND’S LIFE, CAREER AND LEGACY

The story of a boxing icon is being told once again through trading cards. 2021 Topps Muhammad Ali:

e People’s Champ is taking a slowburn approach, offering a weekly drop of two cards through their website. With a complex story to tell and a tremendous legacy, collectors shouldn’t expect the set to stick to Ali’s in-ring accomplishments. It’s a more complete look at his life, including personal moments.

at’s apparent from the start with the first two cards in the set featuring a young Cassius Clay winning gold at the 1960 Olympics and his conversion to Islam.

e cards’ designs are inspired by a variety of Topps designs from the past, similar to what they do with their online rowback ursday line. is means, when necessary, slight adjustments and tweaks to make it work for boxing.

Card backs offer a write-up on the background of the featured event. is is different from the majority of recent Topps online releases in other sports and subjects that have generic text and blurbs.

When complete, the 2021 Topps Muhammad Ali: e People’s Champ checklist will have 100 cards and last 50 weeks.

HOW TO GET CARDS

Cards are available through the Topps website for $9.99 each or $17.49 for both of the week’s cards. Single cards also have discount options available for lots of up to 20 cards. Dealers may also have some available on ebay at a discount during the sales window as they’re ordering in bulk.

New cards release every Tuesday and have a sales window of seven days. Print runs are based on what’s ordered during that time.

Leaf was the last company to produce trading cards of Ali based on his life and career. Between 2011 and 2016, they did several sets at a variety of price levels and configurations. Before that, Upper Deck did the high-end Muhammad Ali Master Collection in 2000.