Muhammad and LeRoy: A Friendship in Art

Sketch of Muhammad Ali in pencil, pen, and paint created by LeRoy Neiman. At the top of the page is text written by LeRoy that reads, "Muhammad Ali painting. Room 1514. Mid-Town Motor Inn, N.Y. March 17, '67." LeRoy signed the piece in bold black ink below these notes. 

Muhammad was in New York for his March 22, 1967 bout against Zora Folley at Madison Square Garden. LeRoy's work shows Muhammad painting his own artwork, a prediction in watercolor of this upcoming bout against Folley.

In his biography, LeRoy wrote that, "As an artist, Ali had a narrow range, but I was astonished by his nonstop approach. He did all his drawing with a free hand -- no correction, coaching, or opinions." (All Told, 237)

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