This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2018
Australian boxer Joe Bugner had risen from the canvas after one of Joe Frazier's famously deadly left hooks to nearly record a knockdown of his own in July of 1973, thus putting the boxing world on notice that the dangerous heavyweight was a genuine title contender. Muhammad Ali would face the hard-hitting Aussie two years later in Malaysia, which marked his final bout before the greatest war of his fabled career, "The Thrilla in Manila."
The offered shoes in this lot derive from Ali's training for the Bugner bout, which Ali won by unanimous decision on June 30, 1975, as confirmed by a letter of provenance from the Champion's Hall of Fame trainer Angelo Dundee, who also signed both shoes. Crafted by "Adidas" from green leather with black trim boasting "M. Ali" embroidered above each ankle, the shoes show solid wear. A green Muslim crescent patch is applied to the upper left exterior, while only a stitching path remains on the right.
Includes letter from Dundee. COA's from PSA/DNA for each shoe (AE81124 & AE81125).