Pugilist, Painter, Poet, Performer: The Many Sides of Muhammad Ali
"World Champ Facing Reality" Drawing in pencil by Muhammad Ali, dated November 9, 1964
Donated by the LeRoy Neiman Foundation in 2017.
A 9th Round Knockout Prediction
More often than not, Muhammad Ali would share his predictions for his upcoming fights with the press and his opponents. While most are more familiar with his proclamations at press conferences, Ali would sometimes draw these predictions, as well.
This pencil drawing shows Ali's prediction for what would happen during his rematch fight against Sonny Liston, which was originally scheduled for November 1964. Ali drew a crowd with frowning faces, Sonny Liston with stars around his head, and a tearful referee pleading, "Stop, he is finished champ."
As with many of Ali's drawings of boxing matches, one can find his friend LeRoy Neiman (along with his assistant, Linda) among those watching the fight.
