Legendary Muhammad Ali trunks set to reach $6 million at auction

The historic trunks worn by Muhammad Ali during his legendary victory over Joe Frazier in the ‘Thrilla in Manila’ are poised to command a staggering sum of more than $6 million (£4.8 million) at auction next week.

Presented by the prestigious auction house Sotheby’s, these iconic white satin shorts, donned by Ali during the monumental bout, have already garnered considerable attention, with bidding reaching an impressive $3.8 million.

Originally sold for a modest $150,000 in 2012, the value of these signed trunks has skyrocketed, expected to fetch a remarkable 40 times their previous price.

The auction, hosted at Sotheby’s New York branch, will run until Friday, April 12th, offering enthusiasts and collectors a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of boxing history.

🥊 Muhammad Ali’s trunks from his victorious ‘Thrilla in Manila’ over Joe Frazier are going up for auction next week for $6 million.

💰 Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals game one jersey currently holds the record for most expensive sports memorabilia with a $10.09 million sale… pic.twitter.com/s5VfmIEWma

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The ‘Thrilla in Manila’, held in October 1975 in the Philippines’ capital, remains etched in boxing lore as one of the sport’s most defining moments. In their third and final encounter, Ali emerged victorious after 14 grueling rounds, with Frazier ultimately retired by his corner team.

The trilogy between Ali and Frazier is hailed as one of boxing’s greatest, with their battles etching indelible marks on the sport’s landscape.

In addition to Ali’s signature, the Everlast trunks also bear the inscription of his corner man, Drew ‘Bundini’ Brown, further enhancing their historical significance. Despite their initial auction post-Brown’s passing fetching a mere $1,000 (£800), these trunks now stand as an invaluable relic of boxing history.