2019 October Legends Closing October 19
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/20/2019
Presented is a 24 x 48-inch framed black and white photograph of former heavyweight boxing champion Joe Frazier, which was displayed for many years in the champ’s boxing gym in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The photo portrays the young boxer at the start of his storied career, in a Everlast boxing trunks, posed with fists upraised against a neutral background. The black & white photo is displayed in a black wood frame with glass. There are some streaks and stains on the photo, which is otherwise in good condition.
The gym at 2917 North Broad Street in Philadelphia was where Frazier trained while preparing for his 1971 Fight of the Century against Muhammad Ali. The building was constructed around 1895 and originally served as a window sash and blind warehouse. The building remained in industrial use until Cloverlay Inc., an investment group that sponsored Joe Frazier, purchased the property for his use in 1968. The gym served as Frazier's training center for his highest-profile fights, including his championship bouts against Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. Following his 1975 retirement, Frazier purchased the gym from his investors and opened it to the public. For the next 25 years, Frazier trained boxers at the gym including Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion, Duane Bobick and Olympic Medalist Terrance Cauthen. The gym was also open to local inner-city youth. Frazier, who maintained an apartment above the gym, was forced to sell the building due to debt and back taxes in 2008. This item comes with a LOA from Leslie Wolff, Frazier’s business manager.