Joe Frazier's Fight Worn Robe From the Thrilla in Manila, Ali vs. Frazier [Araneta Coliseum, Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines, October 1, 1975] blue cotton blend and white satin calf length Everlast robe, studded Smokin' Joe on the back, with stars studded on the pockets, left breast pocket shows Everlast tag with Made Expressly for Joe Frazier, signed Smokin Joe in marker on the left sleeve cuff. White satin belt present, includes documentation from Resolution Photo matching numbered 38173. Together with an original poster by LeRoy Neiman signed Joe Frazier (to center), 14 x 22in, and two photos of Joe Frazier in the robe. Footnotes: Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier would meet in the ring for the third and final time in 1975 in Quezon City, Philippines at the Philippine Coliseum (later called the Araneta Coliseum), for the excruciating end to their storied trilogy -- 'Thrilla in Manila'. Their mutual disdain was no secret -- Ali took every opportunity to publicly humiliate Frazier, critiquing his fighting style, calling him an animal, and taunting him with a phrase that would immortalize the fight: 'It will be a killa', chilla', thrilla' when I get that gorilla in Manila.' The only thing hotter than the bitterness between the two fighters was the weather. Despite the 110-degree heat, Frazier and Ali arrived at the Coliseum draped in robes. Ali was in all white, his understated ensemble in stark contrast to his public persona. Frazier was resplendent in this blue Everlast robe, emblazoned with his nickname 'Smokin' Joe' in rhinestones on the back and star-studded pockets. He was given the nickname by his trainer Yank Durham early in his career, who would tell him, 'I wanna see smoke comin' from them gloves, Joe.' His ornate robe spoke louder than his words ever could. Despite Ali's public taunts, he was still going to fight with everything he had; he was still the relentless Smokin' Joe. Frazier's internal fury was unleashed as he held his own round after round. The ensuing fight would be considered one of the most brutal in boxing history. 30,000 spectators packed the scorching stadium, and the match would be the first fight ever broadcast live overseas worldwide by satellite. By the 13th round, both men were bloodied, sluggish, and visibly exhausted. Ultimately, Frazier's trainer Eddie Futch would call for an end after the 14th round. Ali was declared the victor but could barely stand. For Frazier, the fight signaled more than a championship; he would later say, 'I fought Ali with everything I had, not just for titles but for respect... my spirit was what kept me going. Every punch - every moment was about proving to myself I could go beyond my limits.' While he did not win that final match in Manila, he preserved his own integrity and his relentless, smoke-snorting, pressure fighting style. Provenance Sotheby's, New York, Important Sports Memorabilia and Cards, 24 April 2008, Lot 200. Condition reports are not provided in catalog descriptions. The absence of a condition report does not guarantee that the lot is in good condition or free from damage and wear. We encourage you to request a condition report and/or additional photos prior to bidding on any lot. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing