Winter Auction 2017 Ending January 29
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/29/2017
The series of fights between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier defined an entire era in heavyweight boxing. Ali and Frazier fought three times, in “The Fight of the Century”, “Ali-Frazier II”, and “The Thrilla in Manila.” These three fights were contested between 1971 and 1975, with Ali winning two and Frazier one. The final match, The Thrilla in Manila, is one of the most iconic fights in the history of boxing. It took place in Quezon City, in the Philippines on October 1, 1975. Ali defeated Frazier by TKO before the 15th round. Both fighters poured everything they had into the fight, with Ali later saying this fight was “the closest [he] ever came to dying.”
The item offered here is an original poster for the fight by renowned artist LeRoy Neiman. Neiman is one of the most famous sports artists of the 20th century, painting scenes from boxing, baseball, horse racing, the Olympics, and more. Ali and Frazier are depicted on the poster, painted in the abstract watercolor style that Neiman favored. Frazier is shown throwing a punch in the direction of the viewer while Ali holding his arm aloft in celebration. Ali and Frazier both signed this photo in black Sharpie. Neiman’s signature is printed on the poster. This item comes with a PSA/DNA LOA (AC04457).