On October 1, 1975, two famous heavyweight boxers, Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, had a big fight in Quezon City, Philippines.
It’s known as the “Thrilla in Manila” and is one of the best fights in boxing history. Ali won the fight, and the shorts he wore during it could sell for $4 million to $6 million at Sotheby’s auction.
This auction is part of Sotheby’s Sports Week, where they are selling over 350 sports items, including historic ones and new ones from recent games.
The auctioneer’s new initiative will take advantage of a burgeoning market for sports memorabilia that is expected to reach $227 billion by 2032, according to consulting group Market Decipher.
Also Read | UN Security Council to Vote on US Proposal for Ceasefire in Gaza
“The market for unique sports artifacts has been enjoying unprecedented growth as collectors continue to chase the best-of-the-best objects, with a particular desire to acquire those that are ‘fresh to market,‘” said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of modern collectibles, in a statement.
Sotheby’s has sold many valuable sports items lately. They sold Lionel Messi’s jerseys for $7.8 million, Michael Jordan’s sneakers for $8 million, and partnered with the NBA to sell game-worn items at auction for several years starting in November last year.