Winter Auction 2017 Ending January 29
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/29/2017
Presented here is a photograph of Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier before their first fight. Known as “The Fight of the Century” by boxing analyst and sports historians, this legendary fight took place on March 8, 1971 in Madison Square Garden, New York City. Coming into the fight, both fighters sported unbeaten records, with Ali coming in 31 – 0 to Frazier’s 26 – 0. This fight held deep meaning for many African Americans, as Ali had become a symbol for the anti-establishment left wing movement, after he was stripped of his title for refusing to join the Vietnam draft. Ali would go on to lose a unanimous decision to Frazier, as it would be the first loss of his professional career. The two men would face off an additional two times.
This photograph is black and white and depicts Ali taunting Frazier outside of his training camp, trying to get in the champ’s head. This picture includes the signatures of both men as well as the photographer. Ali and Frazier have both signed in bold black ink on the bottom of the portion of the photograph. Photographer George Kalinksy has signed on the lower right in graphite pencil. This piece is both matted ad framed standing 31 x 36 inches. Included with this item is a LOA from PSA/DNA (AB11594).