SCP Auctions, Inc.
Timed Auction

Fall Premier Auction 2015

Wed, Nov 18, 2015 09:00PM EST - Sun, Dec 6, 2015 12:00PM EST
Lot 942

MUHAMMAD ALI VS. SONNY LISTON II FRAMED DISPLAY WITH ALI SIGNED SPORTS ILLUSTRATED COVER DATED 5/24/1965 (DAY BEFORE FIGHT) AND FULL TICKET GRADED PSA

Unsold

Bid Increments

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Heavyweight champions Muhammad Ali and Sonny Liston met twice in the ring and both bouts resulted in victories for Ali. This lot features a unique combination of memorabilia surrounding their second meeting which was held on May 25 1965 at the Central Maine Youth Center in Lewiston Maine. This particular bout remains the first and last heavyweight title bout ever held in the state. The ending of this fight remains one of the most controversial in boxing history. Midway through the first round Liston threw a left jab and Ali went over it with a fast right knocking the former champion down. Liston went down on his back. He rolled over got to his right knee and then fell on his back again. Many in attendance did not see Ali deliver the punch. The fight quickly descended into chaos. Referee Jersey Joe Walcott a former World Heavyweight Champion himself had a hard time getting Ali to go to a neutral corner. Ali initially stood over his fallen opponent gesturing and yelling at him "Get up and fight sucker!" The moment was captured by ringside photographer Neil Leifer in what became one of the most iconic images in sport chosen as the cover of the Sports Illustrated special issue "The Century's Greatest Sports Photos." Ali then began prancing around the ring with his arms raised in victory.

This rare collection of memorabilia all perfectly framed and matted in a presentation piece measuring 24 wide by 28 high includes Leifers iconic shot of Ali standing over Liston positioned next to an Associated Pres wire photo showing a stunned Liston in the foreground and a jubilant Ali getting his hand raised in victory by Walcott and celebrating with his corner men. In addition the display includes an Ali-signed cover of Sports Illustrated leading up to the fight dated May 24 1965. Whats more the display includes an actual fight ticket (No. 268) to the bout thats been graded a NM 7 by PSA Cards. A beautifully engraved silver-and-black plaque touting the results of the second fight finish off the blue-matted-matted display.

Full LOA from PSA/DNA.

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