On Feb. 6, 1967, heavyweight boxers Muhammad Ali (27-0) and Ernie Terrell (39-4) met inside the Houston Astrodome for a 15-round battle that would decide the WBA, WBC, NYSAC, and The Ring heavyweight titles. In 1964, upon converting to Islam, Ali had changed his name from his birth name of Cassius Clay. During a pre-fight interview at ABC studios, a physical altercation ensued between the two as Terrell kept calling Ali by his original name. Ali took offense to it and interrupted Terrell, asking him why he called him by that name. Terrell responded that Ali had introduced himself as Cassius Clay when they first met, which Ali denied. The situation quickly escalated and Ali said "my name is Muhammad Ali!" Irritated by Terrell’s actions, Ali took his frustrations out in the ring. Once their actual fight began, Ali quickly gained the advantage when Terrell’s left eye started to swell from punishment in the early going that basically left him looking through one eye for much of the fight. Despite the adversity, Terrell hung on for all 15 rounds, but Ali scored a unanimous decision to become the undisputed heavyweight champ.

This lot features an 8x10" black-and-white original news service photo from United Press International that shows Ali landing yet another fierce body shot to Terrell’s left side with the mindful referee keeping tabs in the background. The photo seems to capture not only Ali's intensity but the anger he seemingly felt toward Terrell. The back of the photo includes a "Please Credit" stamp by UPI as well as caption information about the photo that’s titled "Determined Right." The print has been authenticated by PSA as a Type I photograph, which means it’s a 1st generation photo, developed from the original negative, during the period (within approximately two years) of when the picture was taken. It’s now nicely encapsulated in an oversized holder ready for showing.