It’s a Knockout for Fans of Ali

Muhammad Ali’s scheduled appearance Sunday at a sports memorabilia show ended in a technical knockout for hundreds of fans who were drawn here to catch a glimpse or a prized autograph from the boxing legend.

Harlan Werner, a business associate of the former heavyweight champion, said Ali’s return from a goodwill mission to Iran had been delayed, forcing him to cancel his appearance at the West Coast National Sports Collectors Show at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Ali was scheduled to sit for afternoon autograph sessions Sunday and today along with a number of sports celebrities.

Fans who had come specifically for the Ali appearance were eligible for refunds, pre-signed photographs, mail-order signings or admission to a future local appearance of Ali tentatively scheduled for the Anaheim Hilton and Towers. No date has been set.