This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/28/2021
Muhammad Ali has signed the offered on-site poster which promoted the September 29, 1977, bout at New York's Madison Square Garden between Ali and contender Ernie Shavers. The poster is presented in an elaborate framed display and is accompanied by a photo of Ali signing the poster. The fight would be the 14th consecutive win for Ali in a streak that dated back to 1973. Shavers actually had Ali hurt in the 2nd, but Ali feigned even more distress to fool Shavers into thinking he was unaffected. The gambit worked, and Ali finished most of the rounds in strong fashion to win the decision. The 15th, especially, was strong, as Ali nearly put Shavers down.
Pat Putnam of Sports Illustrated recounts that final round this way: "People talk about Manila; they talk about Foreman; they talk about Liston. But to me, the fifteenth round against Shavers was as magnificent as any round Ali ever fought. He was exhausted. I don't know where he found the strength and stamina to go on, because when he went back to his corner after fourteen there was nothing left in his body. But he came out for the last round and fought three minutes as good as any three minutes I've ever seen. Not many people remember it now, but late in the round, he even had Shavers in trouble. Only the rope kept Shavers from going down."
Accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Beckett Authentic. The poster measures 23 x 29 inches, and the framed display measures 30 x 43 inches. The poster presents with moderate wear, with some large wrinkles and mild staining on the right side. Excellent to Mint condition.