The legendary Muhammad Ali’s iconic shorts from his historic “Thrilla in Manila” fight against Joe Frazier in 1975 are set to go under the hammer at Sotheby’s New York Sports Week, with an estimated value of £5 million.

Ali famously defeated his rival in 14 grueling rounds but described the intense bout, fought in scorching 120-degree heat, as “the closest thing to dying.”

The signed pair of Everlast shorts, featuring Ali’s trademark white with black trim, is a rare piece of sporting memorabilia that encapsulates the historic significance of the legendary match.

Muhammad Ali’s trunk is up for auction.

Ali himself likened the fight to a near-death experience, reflecting on the extreme conditions and the physical toll it took on both fighters.

He acknowledged the lasting impact of the brutal encounter, while Joe Frazier’s health deteriorated, leading to vision impairment and an early retirement from boxing.

The auction will also feature Michael Jordan’s Air Jordan 11s from Game 5 of the 1996 NBA Finals, valued at up to £317,000 ($400,000), among a collection of sneakers worn by basketball’s greatest players.

The sale of these iconic pieces of sporting history serves as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Ali and Jordan, two influential figures in sports history.