The shorts you are wearing are muhammad ali A fighter from his legendary boxing match “Thrilla in Manila'' is on sale at Sotheby's in New York. It's part of a growing sports memorabilia market that is attracting auction companies' attention.
Bidding has been pouring in since late March for the Everlast-branded shorts, which feature Ali's signature in black stripes on a white background, including the most recent bid of $3.8 million.
The auction is open until April 12th.
The sale comes as Sotheby's is auctioning off a number of sports lots, including NBA star Victor Wembaneyama's jersey.
Despite the growing interest in the historic sporting item, Sotheby's announced as of Thursday that the minimum price agreed upon by the seller of Ali's shorts had not yet been reached.
Sotheby's estimates that the shorts could ultimately sell for between $4 million and $6 million.
Ali's 1975 “Thrilla in Manila” match against Joe Frazier was held in the Philippines following the previous year's “Rumble in the Jungle” match in the Democratic Republic of Congo (then Zaire). Ta.
Ali's fight in the Philippines went to 14 rounds before Frazier's coach threw in the towel.
Muhammad Ali was born Cassius Clay
“It was like death. The closest thing to death I know,” Ali said of the match, which was played in stifling heat and humidity, heated by television lights.
Born Cassius Clay in southeastern Kentucky, Ali is known both as a great athlete and for his role in the fight for civil rights for African Americans. He passed away in 2016.
A number of NBA jerseys will also be on sale, including French player Wenban Yama's complete uniform worn in an exhibition game earlier this year.
The interest in match-day merchandise appears to have extended to items such as chairs, water bottles, and towels in Wenbanyama's locker.
For those who don't have the cash to buy the jersey (estimated selling price is $80,000 to $120,000), the contents of the locker are estimated to be worth $5,000 to $7,000.
Written by Garyn Lambly ©Agence France-Presse