NEW YORK: The shorts worn by legendary boxer, Muhammad Ali in his “Thrilla in Manila” match goes for auction at Sotheby’s in New York.
Bids, the latest for $3.8 million, have been coming since late March for the shorts, which have white with black stripes and are signed by Ali. The auction will be open until April 12.
Sotheby’s along with Ali’s shorts is also auctioning a slew of sports lots, including a uniform from NBA star Victor Wembanyama.
Despite a growing interest in historic sporting items, Sotheby’s said that, the minimum price given by the seller of the shorts has not been reached so far.
The auction house estimates the shorts could finally be sold for $4-6 million.
Ali’s “Thrilla in Manila” fight against Joe Frazier was held in the Philippines in 1975 and followed his “Rumble in the Jungle” match in Congo (then called Zaire) the year before.
Ali’s fight in the Philippines spanned to 14 rounds before Frazier’s coach threw in the towel.
Ali, born Cassius Clay in the state of Kentucky, is known as both a sporting icon for his role in fighting for civil rights for African Americans. He passed away in 2016 after prolonged illness.
NBA players jerseys, including French player Wembanyama’s are also included in the auction.
