Obama Presidential Center to add autographed Muhammad Ali boxing gloves

Drone video shows the Obama Presidential Center under construction in Chicago’s Jackson Park, where crews continue work on the museum tower and campus. (Credit: Fox Flight Team)

Former President Barack Obama will be donating his pair of autographed Muhammad Ali boxing gloves to his presidential library. 

The Obama Foundation announced the donation in a statement Wednesday. 

"Ali’s story has been an inspiration for President Obama, who kept this gift of red Everlast boxing gloves inscribed by Ali on display in the White House throughout his presidency," the organization said. 

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An aerial view shows the Obama Presidential Center under construction in Chicago’s Jackson Park, where the privately operated campus is being built on public parkland. (Fox 32 Chicago)

"They were a reminder of a quality the President admired most in Ali: ‘his unique ability to summon extraordinary strength and courage in the face of adversity, to navigate the storm and never lose his way.’"

American boxer Muhammad Ali, left, and British boxer Joe Bugner during a match in 1975. (GETTY)

After Ali's death in 2016, Obama honored him as a man who "fought for what was right" and helped shape modern America. However, Obama did not attend Ali's funeral due to a scheduling conflict.

Obama's Presidential Center has been the subject of controversy since its 2015 announcement. The challenges have included lawsuits over public land use, concerns regarding gentrification and community displacement on the South Side of Chicago and recent criticism of its architectural design and illegible text on a 225-foot museum tower. 

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