Muhammad Ali: A Legacy Enshrined in Controversy

During the late ’60s, Muhammad Ali, then America’s boxing heavyweight champ, sparked widespread debate. His conversion to Islam, Vietnam War stance, and brash demeanor divided public opinion. His Esquire cover, portrayed as St. Sebastian, mirrored this polarization.

Esquire’s iconic Ali cover required inventive photography by Carl Fischer. To emulate St. Sebastian, arrows were suspended by fishing lines due to their weight, demanding Ali’s patience during the lengthy setup. Fischer recalled Ali’s genuine, affable nature throughout the process.