Collection: Sports Artist Darryl Matthews Donates Painting to Muhammad Ali Center
A powerful new chapter in the story of sports, art, and friendship has been written with Darryl Matthews’ donation of his original painting of Muhammad Ali to the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
The painting is more than a striking portrait of one of the world’s greatest athletes. It is also a deeply personal tribute — a way of honoring legendary boxer Muhammad Ali and the artist’s father, Francis Oliver Matthews, a professional baseball player in the Negro Leagues who knew Muhammad Ali personally. Both men made their mark in history and theirs was a friendship of shared mutual respect and admiration.
By donating this painting, Darryl Matthews not only celebrates the enduring spirit of Muhammad Ali — his strength, grace, and societal impact — but also pays homage to his father and the bond between them. The artwork now finds its home within the Muhammad Ali Center’s esteemed permanent collection, where it can contribute to the preservation of Muhammad Ali’s remarkable legacy.
Image Credit:
Darryl Matthews, Ali, 2019; © Darryl Matthews; photo courtesy the artist and Drinking Gourd Gallery