This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/17/2021
The offred, like-new, pennant promoting Muhammad Ali's February 20, 1976, Championship title defence would have been sold at the venue in Puerto Rico. The Spanish language souvenir reads “CAMPEONATO MUDIAL (World Championship) PESOS COMPLETOS / MUHAMMAD ALI VS. JEANE PIERRE COOPMAN / SAN JUAN – PUERTO RICO / FEBRERO 20, 1976.” This was the Champ's first fight after “The Thrilla in Manilla,” against Belgian fighter Jeanne Pierre Cooper. While Cooper would go on to become European Champion in 1980, he was no match for Ali, who had predicted a 5th round knockout...and delivered. By that point in the fight, Ali was in complete control, with Coopman barely landing any blows. Ali finally finishes him off with a quick right hook among a flurry of punches, which sent Coopman face first into the ropes. This pennant survived in much better shape than Coopman did. The pennant measures 27 ½ x 8 inches and presents missing its original sales tab, which was neatly removed, in Near Mint condition, otherwise.