Joe Frazier's Weigh-in Robe From Fight of the Century, Ali vs. Frazier [Madison Square Garden, March 8, 1971] green and gold satin floral brocade robe with beige terrycloth lining, full calf length, signed Smokin' Joe Frazier on the left sleeve cuff in black marker, single left breast pocket with two additional hip pockets. Zipper hood. Gold satin belt is present. Green appliques of Frazier's children's names on the back. With documentation from Resolution Photomatching numbered 38150. Footnotes: Muhammad Ali and 'Smokin' Joe Frazier's first face-off in the ring would be forever revered in sport history. Both undefeated, both masters of their craft, 'The Fight of the Century' would determine boxing's ultimate champion. The highly anticipated match would fill Madison Square Garden with a record number of spectators and press, while 300 million viewers worldwide would tune in to what was sure to be a legendary fight. On March 8, 1971, the rivals arrived at Madison Square Garden for their weigh-ins. Boxing is as much a sport of spectacle as it is physical prowess, and appearance would be key for this fight; Madison Square Garden was sold out, millions were glued to their televisions and cinema screens, and stars such as Barbara Streisand, Frank Sinatra, and Diana Ross were ringside. Frazier sported this ornate green and gilt floral robe, embroidered with his children's names and his own on the back, complete with matching shorts initialed JF. As Frazier would say, 'I'm a small piece of leather, but I'm well put together.' When asked why his robe sported the names of his children he replied, 'The kids will aways be mine -- forever.' Designed and made by Lew Magram, 'The Shirtmaker to the Stars', whose clients included Frank Sinatra, Johnny Cash, and Jackie Gleason, the robe would come to symbolize Frazier's place in the ring. Frazier had described the type of robe he had wanted: 'regal -- something that a king would wear.' And Frazier would be the king in this fight. For fifteen rounds the men traded blows until Frazier sent Ali to the mat with an explosive left hook. Frazier recalled, 'I remember when I heard the bell, I looked at Ali and said, 'Yeah, I kicked your ass.'' The two would not meet in the ring for another three years, but the world was hooked. Provenance Sotheby's, New York, Important Sports Memorabilia and Cards, 24 April 2008, Lot 199. 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