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Neil Leifer

Neil Leifer is an American photographer, author and filmmaker. His photography career began on his 16th birthday, when he captured the winning touchdown in the 1957 NFL title game, also known as “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” Over his 60-plus year career, Neil has captured over 15 Olympic Games, 4 FIFA World Cups, 17 Kentucky Derbies, 15 Masters golf tournaments, countless World Series games, 13 Super Bowls, and every important heavyweight boxing title fight since 1960. Additionally, Leifer has photographed many of history’s most notable figures and events, including The Royal Wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles, President Ronald and Nancy Reagan on Inauguration Day in 1981, as well as John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, and Fidel Castro. He has had 170 pictures published on the cover of Sports Illustrated, the most coveted space in sports media.

Perhaps best known for having documented his favorite subject, Muhammad Ali, Leifer captured photos of the up-and-coming boxer – then named Cassius Clay – through his rise to superstardom. In 2014, Leifer became the only photographer to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Leifer has published 18 books, four of which are already considered classics by many sports enthusiasts. He is now a full-time filmmaker, and has produced and/or directed two feature films, five documentaries and eight short live-action films.

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  • The Phantom Punch, 1965 — Limited Edition Print - Neil Leifer

    The Phantom Punch, 1965 — Limited Edition Print

    Neil Leifer
    9,792,000 RF - 38,652,600 RF
    9,792,000 RF - 38,652,600 RF
    9,792,000 RF - 38,652,600 RF
    9,792,000 RF

    Muhammad Ali reacts after his first-round knockout against Sonny Liston during the World Heavyweight Title fight at St. Dominic’s Arena in Lewiston...

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    9,792,000 RF - 38,652,600 RF
    9,792,000 RF - 38,652,600 RF
    9,792,000 RF - 38,652,600 RF
    9,792,000 RF
  • Ron Turcotte winning the Kentucky Derby, 1973 — Limited Edition Print - Neil Leifer
    Ron Turcotte winning the Kentucky Derby, 1973 — Limited Edition Print - Neil Leifer

    Ron Turcotte winning the Kentucky Derby, 1973 — Limited Edition Print

    Neil Leifer
    16,749,500 RF - 23,191,600 RF
    16,749,500 RF - 23,191,600 RF
    16,749,500 RF - 23,191,600 RF
    16,749,500 RF

    Jockey Ron Turcotte is photographed riding Secretariat to victory and winning the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on May ...

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    16,749,500 RF - 23,191,600 RF
    16,749,500 RF - 23,191,600 RF
    16,749,500 RF - 23,191,600 RF
    16,749,500 RF
  • Willie Davis sliding into second base, 1965 — Limited Edition Print - Neil Leifer
    Willie Davis sliding into second base, 1965 — Limited Edition Print - Neil Leifer

    Willie Davis sliding into second base, 1965 — Limited Edition Print

    Neil Leifer
    16,749,500 RF - 23,191,600 RF
    16,749,500 RF - 23,191,600 RF
    16,749,500 RF - 23,191,600 RF
    16,749,500 RF

    Willie Davis of the Los Angeles Dodgers is photographed sliding into second base during a game versus the Philadelphia Phillies at Dodger Stadium o...

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    16,749,500 RF - 23,191,600 RF
    16,749,500 RF - 23,191,600 RF
    16,749,500 RF - 23,191,600 RF
    16,749,500 RF
  • Muhammad Ali sparring with Sonny Liston, 1965 — Limited Edition Print - Neil Leifer
    Muhammad Ali sparring with Sonny Liston, 1965 — Limited Edition Print - Neil Leifer

    Muhammad Ali sparring with Sonny Liston, 1965 — Limited Edition Print

    Neil Leifer
    12,884,200 RF - 25,768,400 RF
    12,884,200 RF - 25,768,400 RF
    12,884,200 RF - 25,768,400 RF
    12,884,200 RF

    Sonny Liston throws a right hook punch toward Muhammad Ali during the first-round of the World Heavyweight Title fight at St. Dominic’s Arena in Le...

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    12,884,200 RF - 25,768,400 RF
    12,884,200 RF - 25,768,400 RF
    12,884,200 RF - 25,768,400 RF
    12,884,200 RF