This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2021
Presented here is Leroy Neiman’s popular work entitled “The Red Boxer” in the form of a limited edition serigraph (#18/250). Neiman’s bold pencil signature appears in the bottom right margin. The image captured Ali’s epic battle with Joe Frazier from the historic 1971 “Fight of The Century” at New York’s Madison Square Garden. The lithograph remains in excellent condition and would display well in any collection. The lithograph measures approximately 26" by 20".
Neiman’s association with Muhammad Ali dates back to 1962. The artist met the fighter in the dressing room in the St. Nicholas Arena in New York City, before Clay defeated Billy Daniels. Neiman sketched the young heavyweight sitting on the rubbing table. Clay immediately showed his own interest in art by asking to make a drawing of himself at the bottom of Neiman's drawing. This was the beginning of a long relationship between the artist and the prize fighter. The artist frequently sketched and painted the athlete in training and at his major bouts around the world, constantly sketching, drawing, and painting. Ali often took up the brush himself and did a number of prediction drawings for Neiman before big fights.