'Thrilla in Manila’ Shorts to Fetch Millions in Auction

(SPOT.ph) The “Thrilla in Manila” boxing trunks that the late boxing legend Muhammad Ali wore in his historic bout against Joe Frazier at the Araneta Coliseum nearly half a century ago is generating buzz as it is expected to fetch millions in an auction. 

The Everlast polyester shorts, signed by Ali, is up for bidding at Sotheby’s until April 12, and is estimated to get between US$4 million and US$6 million. That’s about a whopping Php339.5 million– enough to buy over 377,000 premium box regular season basketball tickets at the Big Dome. 

As of this writing, the bid stood at US$3.8 billion, but it is expected to rise as the bid deadline nears.

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Why are these shorts historic? 

The boxing shorts, which has a stark black waistband and black stripes on each side, was immortalized in photos of Ali during the October 1, 1975 fight– a match that placed the Philippines on the global sporting map and continues to be part of boxing lore. 

“Sotheby’s is proud to present for auction, Muhammad Ali’s match worn boxing trunks from this legendary fight. The white satin trunks feature a black trim at the waistband and black piping running down the side of each leg. The trunks are inscribed by Ali’s assistant trainer and corner man, Drew “Bundini” Brown” and signed by Ali in black sharpie. The right leg inscription reads “Ali-Frazier Fight/Thrilla in Manila” and the left leg reads “Pres. F. Marcos/Manila, Philippines/Oct. 1, 1975,” Sotheby’s said in its catalogue note. 

The provenance of the pair began with the estate of Brown, Ali’s cornerman and assistant trainer. It was first sold on April 17, 1988 to a private collector through an auction via Surtain Co. Auctioneers.  On September 16, 2002, it was again sold to a private collector through Sotheby’s. And then, on March 12, 2012, it was again put up for auction and sold to a private collector through Robert Edward Auctions. And just months later, on August 2, 2012, the pair was sold again through Heritage Auctions. 

This latest auction would be the first time it would be up for bidding since Ali’s death in June 2016. 

“Thrilla in Manila” was the culmination of the rivalry between Ali and Frazier, both heavyweight greats. By the end of 14 intense rounds, Frazier’s corner conceded defeat, and Ali emerged the victor, along with the Philippines, whose name is forever tied to one of the greatest moments in world sporting history. 

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