Breath-stealing and beautifully linen-backed poster from the Ali-Frazier fight at Madison Square Garden on March 7, 1971 tingles the spine all over again with the vibes of anticipation and excitement in the smoke-filled air that incredible night -- not to mention the unforgettable image of Ali being deposited on his rump in round 15. This was the official poster used on-site or the event matching Ali up with the also-undefeated Smokin' Joe, and one of the best pieces of always-in-demand memorablia from one of the few fights that lived up to its hype, and then some. By the end of the fight, and Frazier's unanimous decision, everyone in the Garden was absolutely drained, including the fighters -- Ali with his jaw blown up like a balloon but still posturing that he'd actually won, Frazier on a stretcher being taken to the hospital (with one newspaper erroneously reporting he was "near death"). The pre-fight hysteria was nearly as draining, with Ali trying to get Joe's goat by calling him a "gorilla" and the 2 getting into a wrestling match on the floor of a TV studio while being interviewed by Howard Cosell. All of which set up enormous rematch potential, and Ali and Frazier more than complied, with 2 sequels won by Ali, first at the Garden and then the "Thrilla in Manila." This, then, was where it all began, and for many it was the best of all '70s fights. The glorious poster is 22 x 28" with b&w photographic images of Ali and Frazier set against a classic yellow background symbolic of Garden fight posters of the era. Top reads, "No Radio...'The Fight'...No Home TV" in red lettering, as is Frazier's name, which as heavyweight champ is larger than Ali's in black lettering. Bottom carries the name of Murray Poster Printing Co. Impeccably mounted on the linen backing with slight restoration. Piece is technically VG but NRMT in appearance. You'll never find a better poster from this titanic fight.