1971 Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier "Fight of the Century" Original United Press International News Photograph PSA/DNA Type I

Sold For:

$2,760

Year:

1971

Auction:

2021 Fall

Lot #:

2550

Category:

Boxing/Golf/Other Cards or Memorabilia

Original news photo taken at the first 1971 heavyweight championship fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, held on March 8th at Madison Square Garden in New York. Encapsulated and certified as an original Type I photograph by PSA/DNA. This photo captures Ali falling to the canvas after absorbing a devastating left hook from the powerful Frazier during the 15th round. A number of credit stamps and editorial notations appear on the reverse as does the original paper news caption dated "3/9/71." This matchup between Frazier and Ali (the first of their three momentous fights) was one of the most highly anticipated bouts in boxing history and the first to match an undefeated former champion (Ali) against a current, unbeaten champion (Frazier). (Ali was stripped of his title in 1967 after refusing to be inducted into the U.S. Armed Forces.) The fight was as good as advertised, with Frazier winning a hard-fought, fifteen-round unanimous decision. The photo (10 x 8 inches) displays moderate creasing, a small chip missing on the right edge, a spot of paper loss on the top border, and a hint of red ink in the border areas. In Fair condition overall but with a much better appearance than its technical grade might suggest. Reserve $200.