1971 Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier "Fight of the Century" World Heavyweight Championship Original United Press International Photograph PSA/DNA Type I

Original news photograph taken at the first 1971 heavyweight championship fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, held on March 8th at Madison Square Garden in New York. Encapsulated and certified as an original Type I photograph by PSA/DNA. This photo captures Ali lying on the canvas after absorbing a devastating left hook from the powerful Frazier during the 15th round. A number of credit stamps and editorial notations appear on the reverse as does the original paper news caption dated "March 8/71." This matchup between Frazier and Ali (the first of their three momentous fights) was one of the most highly anticipated bouts in boxing history and the first to match an undefeated former champion (Ali) against a current, unbeaten champion (Frazier). (Ali was stripped of his title in 1967 after refusing to be inducted into the U.S. Armed Forces.) The fight was as good as advertised, with Frazier winning a hard-fought, fifteen-round unanimous decision. The photo (9.5 x 7.25 inches), which is trimmed to its current dimensions, displays light creasing. In Very Good condition overall.