Neil Leifer's photograph of Muhammad Ali standing over Sonny Liston after the "Phantom Punch" is one of the most famous sports images ever. This lot features an exquisite serigraph (paint pushed through a silkscreen) by artist Stephen Holland of that iconic sports moment, augmented by a large Ali autograph in almost perfect 9-10/10 gold paint pen. Ali was a heavy underdog when he faced Liston for the first time on February 25, 1964, in Miami Beach, FL. Yet he won the
fight when Liston failed to come out for the 8th round due to a
shoulder
injury. In the very first minute of their May 25,
1965, rematch in Lewiston, Maine, Ali knocked Liston out with a punch
that few observers even saw, and Leifer captured the
moment perfectly.
Leifer is among the most heralded sports photographers of the modern
era, his work having appeared on more than 200 Sports Illustrated, Time
and People magazine covers. Stephen Holland is arguably the second most prestigious sports artist behind LeRoy Neiman, his many renditions of Ali and other celebrity athletes heavily coveted by sports art collectors. The artwork on a stretched canvas board measures 32" by 46.5" and is professionally framed to 35.5" by 50" with a depth of 2.5 inches. According to the consignor, it was a gift from Stephen Hollland himself; hence, the reason the piece is unnumbered or signed by the artist (as giclées or serigraphs produced for the public would be).
Full LOA from PSA/DNA.
Provenance: This lot originates from a gentleman who has enjoyed a
long and successful career in Hollywood as an agent for many well-known
athletes and entertainers. His professional and personal network enabled
him to amass a significant collection of memorabilia, nearly all of
which was given to him directly from the athletes and entertainers
themselves. All of his items are being introduced to the marketplace
here for the first time.
Note: Shipping cost may be substantial depending on where it's shipped.