1975 Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier "Thrilla in Manila" Fight Poster

Sold For:

$168

Year:

1975

Auction:

2023 Summer

Lot #:

2653

Category:

Featured

Original closed-circuit television poster heralding the third and final bout between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, known as the "Thrilla in Manila," on September 30, 1975. The colorful graphics, created by noted artist LeRoy Neiman, picture each fighter in a boxing pose, with the text along the left border reading "The Saga of our Lifetime." The "Thrilla in Manila" represented the rubber match between Ali and Frazier and is recognized as one of the greatest heavyweight fights on record. In a grueling display of stamina, the fighters slugged it out over fourteen hard-fought rounds. Unlike the first two fights, however, this one did not go the distance, as Frazier was unable to answer the bell for the start of the fifteenth round. After the fight Ali collapsed from exhaustion and was quoted as saying, "I was as close to death as I could imagine." The poster (14 x 22) has moderate creasing throughout. In Good to Very Good condition overall. The size/weight of this item requires that there will be an additional shipping charge for this lot. Opening Bid $100.