Float Like a Butterfly, Sting Like Debt for Clothing
They are not just a piece of sports history but also a potential investment…
In 1975, legendary boxer Muhammad Ali fought Joe Frazier at one of the sport’s most memorable events, ‘Thrilla in Manila.’ It was a moment in boxing history that cannot be replicated.
It was a trilogy bout cemented in combat sports enthusiasts’ best-ever lists, not just because of the intensity of the rivalry, but because it was a moment when Ali was promoting the sport like no other; he was an icon, a trendsetter, and evolved into an inspiration for countless fighters after him.
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Muhammad Ali’s record isn’t unblemished, but during his prime, the impact he had on the sport was monumental. Ali was one of the originators of bringing entertainment to boxing outside of the ring. The event ‘Thrilla in Manila’ surfaced due to the former heavyweight champion nicknaming Frazier “The Gorilla,” as verbal abuse became synonymous with Ali when facing his rival.
Now, nearly half a century after the historic event, the very shorts that adorned Ali are up for auction, a rare opportunity that only a select few can partake in.
Wow! 😲
The trunks worn by Muhammad Ali in his epic ‘Thrilla in Manila’ victory over Joe Frazier are going on auction next week – and set for a big sale 🩳#BBCBoxing pic.twitter.com/1yCbH7N3vG
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 5, 2024
Does anyone Have a Spare $6M?
Prepare for a thrilling bidding war! These white satin Everlast trunks, bearing the signature of the boxing legend himself, have already ignited fierce competition in the online auction, with the current bid standing at an astounding $3.8 million. The auction concludes on April 12, so if you’re a serious collector or a die-hard fan, the time to act is now.
You will, however, need to have a spare million or six. But who isn’t keeping this sort of cash aside for some shorts?
With seven days to go, higher bids are expected to flock in, especially as boxing news promotes the sale. We could see the bidding reach a staggering $6 million. The proceeds from this auction will go towards supporting youth boxing programs, continuing Ali’s legacy of giving back to the sport he loved.
If anyone’s got a spare $4m, get yourself Muhammad Ali’s shorts from the thriller in Manilla 🥶
What a piece of memorabilia 🤩🤩 wouldn’t surprise me if this ends up being bought by a fighter 🥊 pic.twitter.com/ZotKJwQbNe
— Rob- BoxingShrew 🥊🇬🇧 (@BoxingShrew) April 5, 2024
Most Expensive Ali Memorabilia Ever
The trunks are close to becoming the priciest Ali memorabilia sold at an auction. They are not just a piece of sports history but also a potential investment, as unique items such as these have become increasingly rare since Muhammad Ali’s death.
The shorts are just one of many sold in the Sotheby’s lot, including Michael Jordan 11s from the 1996 NBA finals and Kobe Bryant Lakers jerseys from Game 1 of the 2009 NBA finals. However, neither Jordan nor Kobe’s items are coming close to the price of Ali’s shorts, sitting at $200-400 thousand and $1.5-$2.5 million, respectively.
Never did I think we’d reach a point where people would pay millions for a piece of sports history, but here we are. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of Muhammad Ali and the value that collectors and fans place on his memorabilia. While the historical significance of the shorts is undeniable, the price point reflects their rarity and the demand for such items in the market.
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