Oct 6, 2021: A sketch of boxing in the late Muhammad Ali’s felt pen sold for more than $425,000 at an auction in New York on Tuesday, some of which went for several times the estimate of the artwork.

Called “Sting Like a Bee” and created in 1978, is the most sought-after work amongst more than 20 paintings, drawings and sketches of the former heavyweight champion who was known to reflect on religion, and social justice.

The auctioneer’s pre-sales estimates ranged from $ 40,000 to $ 60,000. “Ref, he did float like a butterfly and sting like a bee!” Reads a speech bubble from a boxer who is knocked out by an opponent whose arms are raised in victory. Muhammad Ali used this phrase to describe his boxing style.

Bonham auctioneers said Ali’s 26 works sold for a total of $945,524, which is three times more than the lower end of the initial estimated sum.

Bonhams said the “Sting Like a Bee” was bought by a collector at the UK-based Ali memorabilia.

Other buyers were not identified. Muhammad Ali’s passion for art was little known, but he liked to relax after a fight or training. Some of the works for sale were traditional paintings, while others were more personal cartoon-like sketches.

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