Offered here is a dual signed “Fight of the Century” poster. This fight, between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali, is one of the most legendary sporting events of the 20th century. A 15 round heavyweight title fight between two undefeated contenders, this bout was the first of three contested between Ali and Frazier. After 15 bone crushing rounds Frazier was named the unanimous victor by Artie Aidala, Bill Recht, and Art Mercante. Frazier held the heavyweight title for two years after this fight, until he was defeated by the young upstart George Foreman. Ali and Frazier fought again in 1974 and 1975, the latter fight known as “The Thrilla in Manila.” Ali emerged victorious from both battles.

      This photograph, taken by the official Madison Square Garden photographer George Kalinsky, depicts Ali and Foreman butting heads in front of MSG’s boxing ring. Both fighters display their personality in this photo. Ali, his face contorted into an exaggerated sneer, stares at Frazier with malice in his eyes. Frazier, the cooler, more reserved fighter, looks relaxed and ready as he stares down the Louisville Lip. His cool gaze belies the massive stakes of the fight, with the heavyweight title belt and a record $2.5 million purse on the line. The run up to the fight had been especially ugly, with Ali decrying Frazier as an Uncle Tom, infuriating Frazier to no end. This tactic didn’t rile up Smokin’ Joe, as he kept his emotions in check throughout the brutal 15 round fight.

      Both fighters signed this photograph below their images in black sharpie, with the photographer Kalinsky’s signature added as well. This 13 ½ x20 inch photograph is a limited edition, numbered 16 out of 250 and comes in a 27x35 ½ inch frame. This item comes with a PSA/DNA LOA (AB11577).

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