Muhammad Ali's 'Thrilla in Manila' shorts up for auction

Boxing shorts worn by Muhammad Ali for his match in the Philippines in 1975 are displayed during a preview at Sotheby's in New York, on April 4, 2024. - AP

NEW YORK: The shorts worn by Muhammad Ali in his legendary "Thrilla in Manila" boxing match are up for grabs at Sotheby's in New York, part of a growing sports memorabilia market eyed by auction houses.

Bids -- including the latest for US$3.8 million -- have been rolling in since late March for the Everlast-brand shorts, which are white with black stripes and are signed by Ali.