The first of three matchups between Ali and Frazier was billed as the “Fight of the Century,” and the March 8, 1971, bout certainly lived up to that title. The run-up to the fight made much of the fact that this would be the first time in boxing history that two undefeated boxers, who either held or had held the world heavyweight title, met for that title. Besides being a fight between two tremendously talented boxers, the 1971 bout held much deeper meaning to many. Ali had previously been stripped of all his titles when he refused to be drafted to fight in the Vietnam War and was seen by many as a counterculture icon. Frazier, who was soft spoken and had not taken a public stance on the war, was perceived as more of an establishment figure. Ali turned his usual pre-fight trash-talking up to overdrive, calling his opponent an “Uncle Tom,” “too ugly to be champ,” and ridiculing his intelligence. All of this led to the fight being the most anticipated matchup in boxing history, and remarkably, the fight surpassed all the hype.

Ali reigned supreme during the first five rounds, inflicting several facial wounds on Frazier. However, in the sixth round, Frazier began to dominate as Ali's energy waned. In the eleventh round, Frazier almost floored his opponent with a left hook, but the ropes kept the buckling Ali upright while he regrouped. Frazier held the edge for the rest of the fight, even knocking Ali down in the fifteenth and final round. At the bell, the judges gave the fight and title to Frazier in a unanimous decision. The undisputed talents of both men led to one of the most intense rivalries in sports, setting the stage for two more matchups that rank among the greatest fights in history.

This striking poster is the on-site version displayed in New York’s Madison Square Garden. The full-body photos of the two fighters leap off the bright yellow background of this classic-style boxing poster. The on-site poster has been professionally matted and framed. The frame measures 29” x 35.”