Muhammad Ali's famous red robe from his fight with Joe Frazier in 1971, branded the 'Fight of the Century', has sold for $348,000 (£290,000) at auction.
The world heavyweight title bout between Ali and Frazier is one of the most iconic contests in sporting history, and started a legendary trilogy between the pair. On his way to the ring, then-undefeated Ali wore a beautiful red robe, which was remarked on by the broadcast team as being particularly special.
But after losing his first fight as a professional against Frazier, the robe disappeared from the boxer's wardrobe before re-emerging at auction. It ended up with collection owner Troy Kinunen, who has accrued countless pieces of memorabilia from Ali fights since beginning to collect over 30 years ago.
“The robe is really iconic when you realize he lost the fight,” Kinunen said. “Guys can get dejected, the robe represents the story of Ali’s comeback, his motivation to fight Frazier twice more and defeat George Foreman and regain the world championship.” And despite spending a monstrous six-figure sum on the robe, it is believed that the buyer has bagged themselves a bargain.
The robe had been tipped to fetch in excess of $1,000,000, which is around £840,000, according to the auctioneer.
One of the most famous stories surrounding the Madison Square Garden fight surrounds the incredibly elusive tickets. Singer Frank Sinatra was unable to get his hands on one, and had to land himself a job for Life Magazine as a photographer for the night in order to get into the building.
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Tickets were priced at a new record of $150 for ringside, which would be around $1,100 in today's money or £922. Ali ultimately lost the bout by a 15-round decision, cementing Frazier as the legitimate heavyweight champion after his rival had been stripped of his titles due to refusal to participate in the Vietnam war.
It was a dominant performance from start-to-finish for Frazier, who dropped Ali in round 15 to put a full stop on what was a brilliant showing overall. The pair met twice more, with Ali winning the next two and ultimately the trilogy.
Ali and Frazier went the distance the second time they fought at the same iconic New York venue three years later, with the Louisville fighter getting the nod on the cards. And there was no doubt left in their trilogy bout; the infamous Thrilla in Manilla.
Frazier retired in 1976, barring an unsuccessful comeback effort five years later. He passed away on November 7 2011. Ali hung up the gloves in 1981, and a few years later that he was diagnosed with Parkinson's. He passed away on June 3 2016.
