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Muhammad Ali's trunks sell for $1.2 million

The trunks from the 1975 Thrilla in Manila auctioned at Sotheby's, but fell short of earlier estimates.

February 8, 2025 at 01:33 AM

Muhammad Ali's Trunks from 'Thrilla in Manila' Fight Sell for $1.2M at Auction

Muhammad Ali's trunks from the 1975 'Thrilla in Manila' fight sold for $1.2 million at auction.

Muhammad Ali's iconic trunks from Thrilla in Manila auctioned for $1.2 million

The iconic trunks Muhammad Ali wore during his legendary fight against Joe Frazier in 1975 were sold for $1.2 million at Sotheby's auction. Originally supposed to auction in April 2024, the sale was pushed forward with a starting bid of $1 million. The trunks, featuring Ali's signature on one leg, had previously been listed with a much higher estimate of $4-6 million. The original auction was delayed to provide more public viewing opportunities, but details about their visibility between auctions remain unclear. They had previously sold for over $150,000 in 2012 after being found in a storage locker belonging to Ali's assistant trainer.

Key Takeaways

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Ali's trunks sold for $1.2 million, below initial estimates of $4-6 million.

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The trunks previously sold for over $150,000 in 2012 after being found in storage.

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Bidding showcased strong interest in Ali's legacy but highlighted market fluctuations.

"The trunks sold for $1.2 million at Sotheby's auction, reflecting the allure of sports history."

This highlights the appeal and value of Ali's memorabilia in the current market.

"The auction house noted that the shorts were bid with an irrevocable bid, ensuring a sale regardless of the outcome."

This shows the confidence Sotheby's had in the trunks' desirability among collectors.

This significant price reflects not just Ali's legacy but also the immense interest in sports memorabilia. The delayed auctions show how rarity can influence value, especially when tied to such an iconic athlete. While the sale price aligns with current market trends, the initial expectations indicate a disconnect between fan enthusiasm and actual bidding behavior at high-stakes auctions.

Highlights

Muhammad Ali's legacy continues to command millions at auction.
From $150,000 to $1.2 million, Ali's trunks tell a story of value.
The trunks from a legendary fight fetch a legendary price.
How much is sports history worth? $1.2 million for Ali's shorts.

Potential backlash over auction estimates

The final sale price of $1.2 million was significantly lower than the initial $4-6 million forecast, which may raise concerns among investors and collectors.

The auction results underline the evolving nature of sports memorabilia valuation.

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muhammad ali boxing sports memorabilia auction thrilla in manila sports auction history

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