Joe Frazier vs. Muhammad Ali
Artist
LeRoy Neiman
United States, 1921 - 2012
Designer
Edward Marson
Date1971
MediumOffset Lithograph
Dimensions37 1/2 x 25 in. (95.3 x 63.5 cm)
ClassificationsPoster
Credit LineGift of the LeRoy Neiman and Jane Byrne Neiman Foundation
Object numberPH.6445
DescriptionIn this official Madison Square Garden poster, Neiman depicts the two legendary boxers by using different mediums that emphasize their distinct fighting styles. He created the portrait of Joe Frazier with a felt tip pen, the short, scratchy lines reminiscent of his “swarming” approach in the ring, while Muhammad Ali was drawn with watercolor, underscoring his powerful elegance. Billed as “The Fight of the Century,” this was the first of three matches between heavyweight champions Frazier and Ali, and would be the first and only time Frazier beat his opponent. It also marked the first loss of Ali’s career. This fight represented more than just a boxing match to many Americans: Ali had come to represent the anti-war movement due to his stance against the Vietnam War, while Frazier had become the idol of pro-war nationalism. In addition to the sold-out event with more than 20,000 seats filled, at least 300 million spectators tuned in around the world via closed-circuit television, including Nelson Mandela from prison in South Africa. Neiman was asked by the New York Times to provide pre-fight sketches of the boxers, granting him access to their training sessions. During the fight, he could also be seen ringside, drawing the fighters in action. This approach to capturing athletes as they worked became a hallmark of Neiman’s art. On View
Not on view
