Sometimes, a photograph can make a public figure an icon for several generations. Other times, the same photograph can overshadow their entire personality by a single, defining moment. For instance, Marlyn Monroe’s photograph of her flowing skirt on the set of The Seven Year Itch still continues to live in public consciousness. Albert Einstein, the genius who gave us the theory of general relativity, is known for his hilarious photograph of his tongue sticking out. Just like that, Muhammad Ali, one of the greatest boxers to ever live, is entirely defined by his iconic photograph of him fighting with Sonny Liston. However, we are not here to speak about this image, but rather another iconic photograph that gives a distinct look into the life of the sports legend.
The lead image is a screenshot from Bauman Rare Book’s website.
Muhammad Ali was one of the few boxers whose talent, suave mannerisms, wit, and empathy made him stand out among his contemporaries. In fact, there is a road named after him in Mumbai, India. So, one can only imagine the cultural footprint he has left for not just athletes but also many people of color. His fight for the Civil Rights of Black people, his objection to the Vietnam War, and his voice against segregation of the Black community are some of the things that define who he was outside of the boxing ring. In fact, it was the very empathy that once caused him to be imprisoned for three years. But despite the challenge thrown his way, Muhammad came back stronger.
Amidst his tumultuous life, his photograph of his match with Sonny Liston is perhaps the most memorable. Captured by Sports Illustrated photographer Neil Leifer, the image instantly made Muhammad Ali an inspirational figure for many young Black people. While that photograph is certainly a moment that we may never get another, the image of Ali in a tuxedo is perhaps another gem for Leifer.
There’s no sport I enjoy photographing as much as boxing. The atmosphere of a big-time fight-the crowd, the fashion show, all the celebrities-is electric… Over the last 42 years, I’ve shot almost every major fight and every major fighter… But my favorite subject, no matter what the sport, was and still is Muhammad Ali.
Neil Leifer
There is already so much to like here. Foremost is seeing the athlete in the suit. Why? Because Ali was largely photographed in the boxing ring and sometimes in his simple formal dress code. However, a posed portrait in a tux with an adorable red flower only makes the image even more endearing. The plain backdrop, the catch light in his eyes, and his beautiful smile remind us that the world champion, after all, was a kind-hearted man. The way he fixes his sleeve showcases it as if Leifer captured him in a candid moment. The light backdrop further adds to the glow on Ali’s face, which is already quite radiant. Overall, it’s a photograph that showcases another side of Ali, which many of us may have already forgotten.
The image in question is titled The Greatest; and is one of the 350 copies signed by photographer Neil Leifer and one of only 35 signed by Muhammad Ali. The image is also a testament to Leifer’s ability to capture Ali’s confidence so perfectly. Perhaps that’s what happens when you continue photographing a person: you see them grow and naturally bring out the best in them.
To purchase the iconic image, head to Bauman Rare Book’s website.
