Ali (Muhammad).- Programmes

A group of souvenir programmes and tickets for Muhammad Ali's matches, comprising: programme and ticket stub for Joe Frazier vs. Muhammad Ali at Madison Sqaure Garden on March 8th, 1971, then billed as 'The Fight of the Century' or 'The Fights of the Champions'; programme for Brian London vs Muhamamd Ali at Earl's Court, London on August 6th, 1966; programme for Muhammad Ali vs Karl Mildenberger at Frankfurt Waldstadion on September 10th, 1966; programme and press ticket for Ernie Terrell vs Muhammad Ali at the Houston Astrodome on February 6th, 1967; occasional creasing and signs of handling wear, otherwise in very good condition (6)

***The Fight of the Century between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali was the first time that two undefeated boxers who held or had held the world Heavyweight title fought each other for that title. Frazier won in 15 rounds by unanimous decision.

The bout held broad appeal for many Americans. Ali, who had been stripped of his titles in 1967 for refusing to submit to the draft for the Vietnam war, had become a symbol of the anti-establishment public during his government-imposed exile from the ring, while Frazier had been adopted by the pro-war public.

PROVENANCE: from the collection of Hartmut Scherzer, who covered the events as Sport reporter