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It’s a knockout!
On August 6, 1966 in Earls Court Arena, London, England, 24 year-old boxer Muhammad Ali faced off in the ring against Brian London, his 32 year-old opponent.
This rare historic photograph captures Muhammad Ali as he trains before his Earls Court Arena match against Brian London. Ali is perfectly centered in the photo— and in the ring— as he looks up directly at the camera during his pre-fight training.
This riveting photograph, by photographer R. McPhedran, is included in Esquire’s special retrospective “50 Unforgettable Photographs of Muhammad Ali: The Greatest of All Time”. Measuring 19-3/4" in height x 23-3/4" width x 1” depth in its substantial silver frame, this large-format, historic photograph has been hand-signed by Muhammad Ali in bold, black marker.
At the time of the August 1966 fight, Ali’s pre-fight record was 24 wins - 0 defeats; London’s record was 25 wins - 13 defeats. The match was scheduled for fifteen rounds.
Ali clearly out-classed— and out-boxed— London, who managed to land only one blow during the match, a left jab to Ali's jaw midway through the 1st Round which caught Ali by surprise; but the blow lacked weight and Ali was able to quickly recover. In the 3rd Round, London was hesitant to come forward to engage. Ali sensed London’s reluctance, and decisively advanced to the attack, backing London into a corner and throwing a 12-punch combination in 3 seconds, in a showboating display of speed and athleticism. The 10th blow knocked London down and ended the fight.
Ali signed this photograph in the presence of a PSA/DNA Authentication Services representative, and his signature is guaranteed to be authentic by PSA/DNA. The photograph bears a unique alphanumeric certification label, and is accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from PSA/DNA which corresponds to the certification label.