October Legends Closing October 27,2018
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/27/2018
With a nation divided over military and religious views, Muhammad Ali returned to the ring after challenging reigning Heavyweight Champion Joe Frazier for a March 8, 1971 bout. Dubbed "The Fight of the Champions," the bout offered a record $2.5-million purse and marked the first time in the history of pugilism that an unbeaten former Heavyweight Champion was pitted against an unbeaten current Heavyweight Champion. (Each fighter had legitimate claims to the Heavyweight crown which was held at the time by Frazier, who did eventually win the fight by decision after the full 15 rounds.) Presented here is an exciting display piece hawking "Fight Pictures - In Color" from the highly anticipated showdown. The bout took place at New York's Madison Square Garden, which had long-since been sold out. This 28 x 40-inch poster reveals full-body images of the combatants above a red-printed declaration reading "Will Not Be Shown on Home TV for at Least 6 Months!" A large, highly visual artifact of a memorable contest.