The iconic shorts worn by Muhammad Ali during his famous ‘Thrilla in Manila’ boxing match are currently up for auction at Sotheby’s in New York. The Everlast-brand shorts, white with black stripes, adorned and autographed by Ali himself, have been receiving significant bids since late March. The current bid stands at a whopping $3.8 million, with Sotheby’s expecting the final sale price to range between $4-6 million.
The auction, which runs until April 12, is part of a growing market for sports memorabilia, with auction houses seeing increased interest in such items. Apart from Ali’s shorts, Sotheby’s is also offering a range of sports-related lots at the same auction, including a uniform worn by NBA star Victor Wembanyama.
Victor Wembanyama’s complete NBA uniform, from an exhibition game held earlier this year, is among the coveted items up for sale. The interest in items from Wembanyama’s locker, such as a chair, water bottles, and a towel, further highlights the enthusiasm around game day goods. While the estimated value of the Wembanyama jersey is $80-120,000, the locker contents are expected to fetch around $5-7,000.
Muhammad Ali’s ‘Thrilla in Manila’ fight against Joe Frazier took place in the Philippines in 1975, following his highly-publicized ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ fight in Zaire the previous year. The match lasted for 14 grueling rounds in intense heat and humidity before Frazier’s coach threw in the towel. Ali famously described the fight as the closest thing to dying and attributed it to stifling heat and the added temperatures from TV lights.
Ali, originally known as Cassius Clay from Kentucky, was not only revered as a sporting legend but also respected for his activism in the civil rights movement for African Americans. He passed away in 2016, leaving behind an enduring legacy.
As sports memorabilia continues to gain value in the market, auctions like Sotheby’s are providing a platform for enthusiasts and collectors alike to own a piece of history. Whether it’s the chance to possess Ali’s symbolic shorts or to own a part of the NBA through Wembanyama’s uniform and locker contents, the auction offers an exciting opportunity for sports fans and collectors to acquire prestigious items. The auction and interest in sports memorabilia demonstrate the enduring impact and fascination generated by sports legends and their iconic moments.
