2019 October Legends Closing October 19
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/20/2019
Offered is former world heavyweight champion Joe Frazier’s personal copy of the program for his September 30, 1975 boxing match with Muhammad Ali. The program is signed by both Ali and Frazier. “The Thrilla in Manila” was the third and final match between Ali and Frazier. It was contested for the heavyweight championship of the world at the Philippine Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines, on Wednesday, October 1, 1975. Ali won by TKO after Frazier's chief second, Eddie Futch, conceded the fight prior to the 15th round. The bout is consistently ranked as one of the best in the sport's history and was the culmination of a three-bout rivalry between the two fighters that Ali won, 2–1.
The 8 ¼ x11-inch color program book has been signed by Ali in black marker on the inside front cover. Frazier has inscribed “Good Luck Joe Frazier” in black marker on the inside back cover. The program is 32 interior pages plus cover, which consists of a color head shot of Ali on the front and Frazier on the back, and the legend “Ali/Frazier III” reversed-out in white on both covers. This item comes with a LOA from Frazier’s manager and a LOA from Steve Grad of Beckett Authentication, who have graded the signature a GEM MT 10.