Winter Auction 2017 Ending January 29
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/29/2017
Offered here is a signed poster from Muhammad Ali and Ken Norton’s third and final fight. This poster, signed by Ali, promotes their fight on September 28, 1976. Ali and Norman had split their two previous fights, with Norton winning the first through split decision and Ali claiming victory in the second fight, again through a split decision. The world heavyweight championship was at stake here, with a 34-year old Ali defending his title against the hard-punching Norton.
The fight, which took place at Yankee Stadium, went the distance. Ali came out the winner by unanimous decision, even though Norton had a statistically superior fight. Norton landed almost 100 more punches than Ali, and connected with 45% of his punches compared to Ali’s 28%. However, the judges scored the fight 8-7, 8-7, and 8-6 in Ali’s favor. This was Ali’s 53rd career victory, and Norton’s 4th loss.
The poster uses a photograph from one of the previous Ali-Norton fights. Norton is throwing a left hook, while Ali almost nonchalantly leans back to avoid it, his arms hanging by his sides. The 15 x 20 inch photograph is black-and-white, with the billing written in bold white text. Ali signed his name in black Sharpie in the white border underneath the poster. This item comes with a LOA from PSA/DNA (AB11583).