Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Two of the most iconic moments in boxing history. Two original masterpieces by LeRoy Neiman - from the personal collection of legendary promoter Don King.
In this exclusive Heritage Auctions interview, Don King reflects on Muhammad Ali’s epic battles — the 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” against George Foreman and the 1975 “Thrilla in Manila” against Joe Frazier III — and the powerful Neiman paintings that immortalized them.
“He was a true painter of life… he would put life into it and you could feel it.” – Don King on LeRoy Neiman
Commissioned by King for promotional use, these oils on board became defining images of boxing’s golden era. Neiman’s bold, expressionist style captured Ali’s brilliance, drama, and endurance — from the legendary Rope-a-Dope strategy in Zaire to the brutal fourteen-round war in Manila.
Now, the one-and-only original paintings are being offered at auction in Heritage’s Platinum Night event Feb 28-Mar 1.
🥊 1974 “The Rumble in the Jungle”
• Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman
• Original oil on board, 48" x 36" (framed 53" x 41")
• Used in closed-circuit posters and programs
• Letter of Provenance from Don King
• LOA from the LeRoy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation
sports.ha.com/itm/boxing-collectibles/memorabilia/1974-the-rumble-in-the-jungle-muhammad-ali-vs-george-foreman-original-painting-by-leroy-neiman-from-the-don-king-collection/a/50083-80145.s?ic4=GalleryView-ShortDescription-071515
🥊 1975 “The Thrilla in Manila”
• Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier III
• Original oil on board, 48" x 48" (framed 53" x 53")
• Commissioned for promotional materials
• Professionally restored background (figures untouched)
• Letter of Provenance from Don King
• LOA from the LeRoy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation
sports.ha.com/itm/boxing-collectibles/memorabilia/1975-the-thrilla-in-manila-muhammad-ali-vs-joe-frazier-iii-original-painting-by-leroy-neiman-from-the-don-king-collection/a/50083-80146.s?ic4=GalleryView-Thumbnail-071515
Displayed by King for nearly 50 years, these works represent not just sporting events, but cultural milestones that captivated the world.
The Rumble in the Jungle.
The Thrilla in Manila.
Two historic paintings.
One extraordinary provenance.
Bid now at HA.com/50083
Brought to you by HA.com
To learn more, visit HA.com
Stay Connected to Heritage Auctions:
facebook.com/HeritageAuctions
twitter.com/HeritageAuction
Two of the most iconic moments in boxing history. Two original masterpieces by LeRoy Neiman - from the personal collection of legendary promoter Don King.
In this exclusive Heritage Auctions interview, Don King reflects on Muhammad Ali’s epic battles — the 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” against George Foreman and the 1975 “Thrilla in Manila” against Joe Frazier III — and the powerful Neiman paintings that immortalized them.
“He was a true painter of life… he would put life into it and you could feel it.” – Don King on LeRoy Neiman
Commissioned by King for promotional use, these oils on board became defining images of boxing’s golden era. Neiman’s bold, expressionist style captured Ali’s brilliance, drama, and endurance — from the legendary Rope-a-Dope strategy in Zaire to the brutal fourteen-round war in Manila.
Now, the one-and-only original paintings are being offered at auction in Heritage’s Platinum Night event Feb 28-Mar 1.
🥊 1974 “The Rumble in the Jungle”
• Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman
• Original oil on board, 48" x 36" (framed 53" x 41")
• Used in closed-circuit posters and programs
• Letter of Provenance from Don King
• LOA from the LeRoy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation
sports.ha.com/itm/boxing-collectibles/memorabilia/1974-the-rumble-in-the-jungle-muhammad-ali-vs-george-foreman-original-painting-by-leroy-neiman-from-the-don-king-collection/a/50083-80145.s?ic4=GalleryView-ShortDescription-071515
🥊 1975 “The Thrilla in Manila”
• Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier III
• Original oil on board, 48" x 48" (framed 53" x 53")
• Commissioned for promotional materials
• Professionally restored background (figures untouched)
• Letter of Provenance from Don King
• LOA from the LeRoy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation
sports.ha.com/itm/boxing-collectibles/memorabilia/1975-the-thrilla-in-manila-muhammad-ali-vs-joe-frazier-iii-original-painting-by-leroy-neiman-from-the-don-king-collection/a/50083-80146.s?ic4=GalleryView-Thumbnail-071515
Displayed by King for nearly 50 years, these works represent not just sporting events, but cultural milestones that captivated the world.
The Rumble in the Jungle.
The Thrilla in Manila.
Two historic paintings.
One extraordinary provenance.
Bid now at HA.com/50083
Brought to you by HA.com
To learn more, visit HA.com
Stay Connected to Heritage Auctions:
facebook.com/HeritageAuctions
twitter.com/HeritageAuction
