Don King’s Iconic Muhammad Ali Fight Paintings Hit The Auction Block

Two of boxing’s most unforgettable nights have been immortalized on canvas and now they’re being auctioned off. 

Legendary promoter Don King commissioned paintings capturing Muhammad Ali’s most iconic fights, preserving the drama, intensity, and triumph of these historic bouts in vivid detail. These works offer collectors and fans a chance to own a piece of sports and art history, blending the excitement of the ring with the timeless appeal of fine art.

Don King took some time out of his day to sit down with The Blast to talk about the paintings, “Rumble in the Jungle” and “Thrilla in Manila,” the fights that inspired them, and why now is the right time for them to find new owners.

Two of Muhammad Ali’s most legendary fights are stepping back into the spotlight decades after they happened, but this time, it’s at an auction. 

Heritage Auctions’ Winter Platinum Sports Auction is showcasing two original paintings by LeRoy Neiman, depicting the iconic “Rumble in the Jungle” and “Thrilla in Manila,” each estimated at around $400,000. 

More than just iconic sports memorabilia, the artwork captures a defining era when Ali reigned on the global stage and championship fights became cultural spectacles, blending athletic excellence, celebrity, and visual storytelling into lasting pieces of history.

“These are two of the most significant boxing items that exist and they come directly from Don King, who’s one of the biggest names in boxing history,” Mike Provenzale, Heritage Sports Dept. Operation Manager said. “So right off the bat, that’s important. And then you add in the art aspect of LeRoy Neiman.”

The paintings are both originals, and Neiman is one of the “most noteworthy artists of all time, especially in the sports venue,” Provenzale added. 

The paintings by Neiman are unique and represent more than just Ali fighting for the title, according to King. 

“Ali was Ali. He’s a man who stood outside the ring of boxing as a human being fighting for his rights of freedom, justice, and equality and add all this to LeRoy Neiman’s collection that he could then put into a painting and have immortalization in the painting because of all the different and unique issues that were in the combine of the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ with Muhammad Ali and George Foreman,” King told The Blast exclusively. “It was really provocatively beautiful.”

When asked what moments really stick out for him from that timeframe, King said the “fight for freedom and justice and equality” are front and center for him. 

“What sticks in my brain is that fight for freedom and justice and equality, the fight for the rights that what they call God-given unalienable rights, and that’s what really stands out with me,” he said. “Your word and your loyalty mean more than the money, a contract, or property, whatever it is that’s there, that truth stands alone, unalterable. That’s what made this fight stand out like that is because of the guys that were fighting, the one in particular, you know, the ‘Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. Your hands can’t hit what your eyes can’t see.’ That’s Muhammed Ali.” 

Ali’s legacy continues to transcend generations, cementing his status as more than just a boxing icon. Known for his unmatched skill in the ring, charismatic personality, and powerful voice outside of it, Ali became a global symbol of courage, conviction, and cultural influence. Decades after his most historic fights, his impact still resonates with fans of all ages, inspiring new audiences through his achievements, activism, and enduring presence in sports and popular culture.

When asked why he feels Ali’s legacy has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with even the younger generation, King said it’s because, “he can relate and identify.” 

“He was fighting for rights as well as for titles. You know the title was for eminent domain, get some money, but he was fighting for life, for freedom, justice, equality, loyalty, and your word meaning something, gives essence to your life, your journey in life,” he said. “Anybody can identify with it but with him being who he was and being a Black man in a timely situation where Blacks not only unqualified, they didn’t exist.” 

He added that Ali “stood firm in his belief” and “worked relentlessly at trying to make others have pride in themselves” and to wanted others to “be true to yourself and have confidence in yourself first and foremost and then you can do things that will be seemingly extraordinary to others.” 

King commissioned the “Rumble in the Jungle” painting in 1974 to commemorate Ali defeating Foreman. “Thrilla in Manila” was commissioned in 1975 to celebrate Ali’s legendary fight with Joe Frazier.

King has been the sole owner of both paintings since and now that they are on the auction block, they’ll be finding a new home soon. 

“I predicted I’d be dead at 50. And here I am at 94, almost 95, so timing is of the essence and puts me in a position according to their rules and regulations that’s supposed to be dead at 95 or 94,” he told The Blast. 

“I’m going to be on my last leg, so there ain’t no better time for me to be able to deal with what is real and that means I want to sell and inspire others that come behind me as LeRoy inspired those, including myself, in the paintings.”

As for advice King wants to pass on to the younger generation, he said "be you."

"Believe in yourself and work hard to learn to earn. Do not accept what has been put out there for you to deal with. You play the cards that you're dealt, but the idea is remember that those who came before you and that are still standing side-by-side with you, you can be a hero, you can be an inspiration. Be you," King shared. "And hopefully I can awaken that inspirational feeling in today's youth that was laid into me - never say die, never say quit, in it to win it, you don't give in or give up and you never surrender."

Neiman’s work and style is unique, and many recognize it immediately. His work is often said to be bold and full of life. Provenzale said looking at the paintings up close makes them seem “abstract.”

“When you look up close, if you get right up next to it, the way he uses so much color and the movement, you can see the brush strokes in there,” Provenzale explained. “If you’re really close, it almost looks abstract. And then when you back away, the image comes into focus and it’s instantly recognizable.” 

The auction is currently live and closes on February 28, 2026. Visit Heritage Auction’s website to bid on the paintings or for more information. See “The Rumble in the Jungle” painting here and “The Thrilla in Manila” here.