There might not be a picture in the world where the subjects are as well known and loved as this one. This photograph depicts Muhammad Ali, dressed in only a pair of white Everlast boxing shorts and wearing black boxing gloves, playfully throwing a right jab at all the Beatles lined up in a row. Ali’s fist is “connecting” with George Harrison’s head, and all the members of the Beatles are exaggeratedly recoiling from Ali’s punch like a row of human dominoes. After the photograph was taken, Ali asked the photographer “Who were these little sissies?”, unaware that the men who he had so recently posed with would go on to become the most legendary musicians of the 20th century.

     The photograph was taken on February 18, 1964, by Robert Lipsyte. Ali, at the time still known as Cassius Clay, was in Miami Beach training for his upcoming fight with Sonny Liston. This match, one of the greatest and most controversial sporting events of the 20th century, ended with Liston surrendering to a faster, stronger, and more driven Ali in the 7th round. This photograph is black and white, and measures 20 x 24 inches. Ali signed this photograph in blue marker over John Lennon’s abdomen. This signature comes with a LOA from PSA/DNA (5A01282).

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