adidas "Sept. 20th 1972" & "Leroy Neiman" Ali Classic II
2007 marks the 35th Anniversary of Ali’s fight with former boxing World Champion Floyd Patterson. Following Ali’s 7th round TKO of Patterson to retain NABF (North American Boxing Federation) title, Ali would go on to capture WBA and WBC titles in subsequent years. To mark this anniversary, adidas have created the adidas Ali Classic II. Imposed on both the instep and medial sides are the fight posters used to advertise the fight back in 1972. Another special release (featured after the jump) is one created by American artist Leroy Neiman. Leroy Neiman rose to fame via his brilliantly colored semi-abstract paintings of sporting events. Ali and Neiman have actually shared a close bond since 1962 when Neiman was present in Ali’s locker room pre-fight. While sketching out the young champion, Ali requested to do a little sketch of his own on Neiman’s pad. This blossomed into an artistic friendship. Ali often painted portraits of predictions himself that he would go on to share with Neiman. Neiman is without a doubt the ideal candidate to create any portrait bearing Ali’s likeness. Image: Sample Kickz
2007 marks the 35th Anniversary of Ali’s fight with former boxing World Champion Floyd Patterson. Following Ali’s 7th round TKO of Patterson to retain NABF (North American Boxing Federation) title, Ali would go on to capture WBA and WBC titles in subsequent years. To mark this anniversary, adidas have created the adidas Ali Classic II. Imposed on both the instep and medial sides are the fight posters used to advertise the fight back in 1972.
Another special release (featured after the jump) is one created by American artist Leroy Neiman. Leroy Neiman rose to fame via his brilliantly colored semi-abstract paintings of sporting events. Ali and Neiman have actually shared a close bond since 1962 when Neiman was present in Ali’s locker room pre-fight. While sketching out the young champion, Ali requested to do a little sketch of his own on Neiman’s pad. This blossomed into an artistic friendship. Ali often painted portraits of predictions himself that he would go on to share with Neiman. Neiman is without a doubt the ideal candidate to create any portrait bearing Ali’s likeness.
Image: Sample Kickz
September 20th 1972 Ali Classic II
Leroy Neiman Ali Classic II
