LOT #19087 |
Sold on Sep 10, 2004 for: Not Sold
Rocky Marciano 1948 Amateur Championship Belt Rocky ...
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Description
Rocky Marciano 1948 Amateur Championship Belt Rocky Marciano was the only man in the history of boxing to retire as Heavyweight Champion with a perfect professional record of (49-0). His victims included Joe Louis, Jersey Joe Walcott, Ezzard Charles and Archie Moore. His start in boxing, however, was about as rocky as his name. His first amateur bout was on April 15, 1946 and was a disaster. On furlough from the army, still a smoker and eating plenty of that good Italian home cooking, Marciano was not in fight condition. Worse, his opponent Harry Lester was a three-time Gold Gloves champion. Marciano quickly ran out of gas and was disqualified for deliberately kicking Lester in the second round. His promising career could have ended right there, but he kept at it and actually had his first pro fight in March, 1947, fighting under the name of Rocky Mack to keep his mother from knowing. He won that fight, but decided to give baseball a try and went for a tryout with the Cubs farm team in March, 1947. His erratic throwing as a catcher caused his failure. He went back to boxing, this time for good. In January, 1948 he entered the Golden Gloves Tournament in Lowell, Massachusetts. He stopped both opponents to win that tournament. He went on to win the AAU Championship, but a hand injury kept him from the Olympics. He resumed a pro career in July, 1948 and the rest is history. Presented here is the actual championship belt given to Rocky Marciano for his victory as an amateur in the Golden Gloves in Lowell, Massachusetts. The belt still has its original white and red sash which, although frayed, is perfectly intact. The center buckle states, "N.E. Golden Gloves Tournament Of Champions Lowell Sun Charities" and in each corner of the buckle are the words, "WGT HVY 19 48." Framed with a plaque which reads, "Rocky Marciano N.E. Golden Gloves Tournament Of Champions 1948 Championship Belt." The belt is approximately 35 inches long. The belt comes with an LOA from the brother of Rocky Marciano. One of the most historic and important items of memorabilia to be offered at public sale of this great champion. LOA from Craig Hamilton/ JO Sports.Auction Info
2004 September (HSC) Signature Auction #701 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
September, 2004
10th-11th
Friday-Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 4
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 3,517
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.
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