Muhammad and LeRoy: A Friendship in Art

"this new face on the fight beat who always (around) sketching. They were provoked, didn’t understand why I was hanging around but welcomed me as one of them because I respected the practitioners of the trade as prizefighting and evidence of my ability was right there to eye in my sketchbook (by looking over my shoulder)

The relationship grew and I became part of the Cassius Clay – Muhammad Ali road show. I sketched workouts, dressing room[s], behind the scenes, from Ali’s Zany corner during fights, social situations, inside stuff as the awesome Ali legend grew. The bedlam of it all.

This was brought about (and made possible) by the friendship and support of the Dundees.

Pro pick back in New York at Mad Sq. Garden

Harry Markson and matchmaker Teddy Bremer extended me privilege at MSQ (PR JOHN FX Condon)

While Ali was in exile stripped of his title I saw little of Chris and Angelo or the champs [?] but once reinstated and the LONG AWAITED return of Ali in the ring fighting Jerry Quarry."

-LeRoy Neiman 

Letter belongs to the LeRoy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation, and is on digital loan for this exhibit.