Muhammad Ali’s iconic shorts from his historic “Thrilla in Manila” boxing match are now available for auction at Sotheby’s in New York, representing a burgeoning market for sports memorabilia sought after by auction houses.
Since late March, bids for the Everlast-brand shorts, which feature white with black stripes and bear Ali’s signature, have been steadily pouring in, with the latest bid reaching $3.8 million.
The auction will remain open until April 12, offering enthusiasts and collectors a chance to own a piece of sporting history.
As Sotheby’s conducts a series of sports auctions, featuring items like NBA star Victor Wembanyama’s uniform, the spotlight falls on the sale of Muhammad Ali’s legendary shorts.
While there’s a growing fascination with historical sports memorabilia, Sotheby’s revealed that as of Thursday, the seller of Ali’s shorts has yet to reach the minimum agreed-upon price.
Sotheby’s estimates suggest the shorts could eventually command between $4-6 million, underscoring the enduring allure of Ali’s legacy and the significance of his 1975 “Thrilla in Manila” fight against Joe Frazier. This iconic bout, held in the Philippines, followed Ali’s historic “Rumble in the Jungle” match in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (then known as Zaire) the previous year.
In the historic Philippines match, Ali and Frazier endured a grueling 14 rounds before Frazier’s coach intervened, throwing in the towel.
Reflecting on the battle, Ali likened it to an encounter with death, describing it as “the closest thing to dying that I know of.” The intensity of the fight was compounded by the oppressive heat and humidity, exacerbated by the glare of television lights.
Ali’s legacy transcends his sporting achievements. Born Cassius Clay in Kentucky, he is celebrated not only as a boxing icon but also for his advocacy in the civil rights movement for African Americans. His passing in 2016 marked the end of an era.
Among the items up for sale are several NBA jerseys, including the full uniform worn by French player Wembanyama during an exhibition game earlier this year.
Interest in game day memorabilia seems to extend to items from Wembanyama’s locker as well, such as a chair, water bottles, and a towel. For those unable to afford the jersey, which is estimated to sell for $80,000 to $120,000, the contents of the locker are estimated to be priced between $5,000 and $7,000.
