Boxing News
Muhammad Ali: "The People's Champion" honoured in London exhibition
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of his 1960 Olympic Gold Medal, Proud Chelsea presents Muhammad Ali: The Champ, an intimate and personal photographic portrait of Muhammad Ali as seen through the lens of close friend and award-winning photographer, Michael Gaffney. Depicted through rare and never-before-seen images, the gallery has been afforded unique access to the man Gaffney calls “the people’s champion”.
In August of 1977 The King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley, died. For photojournalist Michael Gaffney the passing of a legend struck a chord; having always wanted to photograph a true icon, to Gaffney an opportunity had been missed. By this point Muhammad Ali had already established himself as one of the greatest heavyweight fighters of all time, capturing the world?s attention further with every appearance.
Gaffney was not going to miss another opportunity and quickly pursued an assignment to shoot The Champ at his Pennsylvanian training camp. What Gaffney didn't know upon embarking on a two week project to picture the fighter was that a running challenge presented to the photographer by the boxer would endear Ali to Gaffney forever, leading him to be offered the opportunity of a lifetime: a year's contract as the star's personal photographer – travelling the world, photographing the star both in the ring and behind the scenes.
Exclusively showing at Proud Chelsea, the result of this phenomenal year will reveal Ali the fighter, the friend, the father and the inspiration through the eyes of a true confidant. The only exhibition of its type, this will be the must-see of the year for all.
DATES: THURSDAY 3rd SEPTEMBER -3rd OCTOBER
LOCATION: 161 KINGS ROAD, LONDON, SW1 5XP
WEBSITE: WWW.PROUD.CO.UK