This is an original Japanese B2 poster printed in 1974 for the first theatrical release of Stand Up Like a Man (モハメッド・アリ 黒い魂), the Japanese release title for a documentary centred on Muhammad Ali, also billed here as Cassius Clay. Directed by Rick Buster, the film opened in Japan on 9 October 1974, ran approximately 50–51 minutes, and was distributed by Toho.
Film background
This documentary follows Ali over an extended period and presents him not only as a heavyweight champion, but as a larger cultural and political figure. Contemporary Japanese film references describe it as a record of Ali’s life filmed over roughly two and a half years, incorporating footage from a number of his major fights, including the Sonny Liston, Brian London, Cleveland Williams, Zora Folley, Oscar Bonavena, Mac Foster, and Jerry Quarry bouts. As a Japanese-produced 1974 documentary on Ali released at the height of his global fame, it occupies a distinctive place within both boxing and documentary cinema history.
Poster design
This is a superb and visually powerful original Japanese release design. The composition is dominated by an intense close-up of Ali in the ring, framed by ropes and gloves, with a secondary inset portrait capturing his charisma and force of personality. Along the left edge runs a vertical strip of documentary-style fight and backstage stills, giving the sheet the feel of a vivid visual dossier rather than a conventional sports poster. The huge white brushstroke Japanese title across the lower half adds dramatic impact, while the black ground and deep reds reinforce the toughness and seriousness of the subject. It is an especially strong country-of-origin design for collectors of Muhammad Ali, boxing, sports documentary, and 1970s Japanese poster art.
Condition
Excellent. Please review the photo—they show the exact poster for sale.
It is over 50 years old!
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
