Auction Name: 2025 December 19 - 21 Winter Sports Catalog Auction

Lot Number: 81273

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/50081*81273

Period-Signed 1951 Topps Ringside Joe Louis #88 PSA EX 5 Auto 8 - The Only Signed PSA Example - From The Golden Age Collection. By 1951, Joe Louis was in the twilight of a legendary career that had redefined the heavyweight division and elevated boxing's cultural significance. After retiring in 1949 as the reigning champion, Louis returned in an effort to reclaim the title but found himself physically diminished. His bout on October 26, 1951, against rising contender Rocky Marciano was both symbolic and brutal-Marciano stopped Louis in the eighth round, signaling the end of an era. Despite the loss, Louis's influence endured; his 25 successful title defenses remain a heavyweight record, and his blend of power, precision, and poise set the standard for champions.

Like the Marciano specimen from The Golden Age Collection, this Louis card likewise stands alone in the PSA population as the only autographed example even though Louis would outlive Marciano by a dozen years. The cardboard commemorative exhibits marvelous color and gloss and minimal wear that would have powered a charge even further up the grading ladder if not for imperfect left/right centering. The blue fountain pen autograph projects boldly from the lime green background. Graded PSA EX 5 Auto 8.

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