Support Us Button Widget

A pair of Muhammad Ali’s trunks are up for auction

They could be one of the most expensive pieces of sports memorabilia ever sold.

Black and white image of Muhammad Ali in the corner of a boxing ring.

Ali’s white trunks were his signature look.

Photo via Muhammad Ali Center

“In the red corner, weighing 224-and-a-half pounds, wearing white trunks with black stripes, from Louisville, Kentucky, USA, the heavyweight champion of the world, Muhammad Ali.”

With those words, ring announcer Joe Cantada introduced boxing legend Muhammad Ali at the 1975 “Thrilla in Manila” match against Joe Frazier. Now, ~50 years later, those white trunks with the black stripes are on the auction block — for almost $4 million.

“Thrilla in Manila” was the third and final match between Ali and his rival Frazier, with Ali defending his heavyweight title by defeating Frazier in 14 rounds. The shorts, produced by boxing equipment company Everlast, now feature Ali’s signature and info about the match.

The auction for Ali’s shorts closes this Friday, and the final bid is expected to be $4-6 million. If they go for more than $5 million, they would be one of the most expensive pieces of sports memorabilia ever.

More from LOUtoday
You’ll want to dog-ear this page to remember the new name.
Whether you’re a history buff, art aficionado, or sports fan, these 13 museums in Louisville, KY have it all.
The artist cooperative now has a permanent home in Butchertown.
Lights Out Louisville encourages you turn go dark at night.
A Detroit-based restaurant is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a regional tour — and they’re making a stop in LOU.
Celebrate the groundbreaking of the new museum at the 11th annual Portland Art + Heritage Fair.
Here’s how you can help our fellow Southeasterners from right here in LOU.
Hollywood stars, MTV cameras, and hundreds of boats were all on hand.
Consider these our Hollywood signs.