JO Sports Inc.
HISTORY: On May 25, 1965 World Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali defended his title for the first time against the man he had won it from a little over a year earlier, Sonny Liston, in one of the great upsets in boxing history. This fight was originally slated for Boston, but delayed due to an injury and moved to the unlikely setting of Lewiston, Maine. The fight ended in the first round. Ali landed what many observers coined a phantom punch to put Liston away while a confused referee Jersey Joe Walcott lost track of the count. Many people insisted the fight was thrown by Liston, long known to have mob ties, but Ali defended the punch that ended it. That controversy lives on to this day.
Offered here is an original, first generation, large format photograph taken by noted photographer Neil Leifer depicting Muhammad Ali standing over Sonny Liston in his famous pose. This is a limited edition photograph (#66/350) which was signed in the presence of Muhammad Ali biographer Thomas Hauser. Comes with letters of authenticity from Neil Leifer on the photograph and Thomas Hauser for the autograph.
FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original, first generation, large format photograph taken by noted photographer Neil Leifer depicting Muhammad Ali standing over Sonny Liston in his famous pose. This is a limited edition photograph (#66/350) which was signed in the presence of Muhammad Ali biographer Thomas Hauser. This is a 16" x 20" photograph. The photo is signed by Neil Leifer and Muhammad Ali on the lower white border. Bold color and clear image. Not creased or torn. At the bottom of the white border there is very light spotting which is hardly noticeable and would not be seen once the photo is framed and matted. No other flaws. Comes with letters of authenticity from Neil Leifer on the photograph and Thomas Hauser for the autograph.
A rare offering as only 350 were printed and very few signed by Muhammad Ali. You will not find a more crisp image as this was made from the original Neil Leifer negative.
