Opening Day Auction 2014
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/26/2014
On September 29, 1977, Earnie Shavers climbed into the ring at New York's Madison Square Garden to fight Muhammad Ali for the World Heavyweight Championship. Little did anyone know that Shavers, called "The Dark Destroyer" would give The Champ his toughest fight in years. In the fight, broadcast live to millions of viewers, Ali and Shavers traded rounds throughout the first 10. Then Shavers seemingly took the edge until the last round. Realizing he couldn't coast to a decision, Ali came on strong, turning the final round into a slugfest. Despite taking a severe beating, Ali nearly KOing Shavers in the last 20 seconds. In what Sports Illustrated called "Ali's Desperate Hour", the Champ emerged the winner but suffered a such devastating damage that many called for The Champ to retire. Ali later said Shavers was the hardest puncher he came across and famously quipped: "Earnie hit me so hard, it shook my kinfolk back in Africa". The graphically attractive unused Promenade ticket is in very good condition, with a small amount of age visible with slightly rounded corners and a discoloration. None of this distracts in the least from the blue and red colored graphics depicting full body shots of Muhammad Ali and Earnie Shavers. The ticket has been examined and encapsulated by PSA/DNA who have graded it AUTHENTIC.