August 6, 2020: Summer Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/6/2020
This is an historic check from the camp of Heavyweight Champion Joe Louis (ex-champ at the time) dated Oct. 25, 1951, just one day before his epic fight the next day vs. Rocky Marciano at Madison Square Garden. In what would be Louis’ last professional bout, he faced the up-and-coming Marciano, who was on his way to becoming an undefeated Heavyweight Champion himself, holding the crown from 1952-56 and ultimately retiring at 49-0 as the only undefeated Heavyweight Champion in history. The check, in spectacular Near-Mint condition, is drafted from Louis’ account from the North Jersey National Bank in Pompton Lakes, N.J., site of his training camp. It is made out to the International Boxing Club in the amount of $262.50 and is dated Oct. 25, 1951, just one day before the Marciano fight. Louis was guaranteed $300,000 to fight Marciano, money that was desperately needed by the former champ to settle an outstanding debt with the Internal Revenue Service said to have reach $1 million. Marciano, who took up boxing because of his admiration for Louis, who held the Heavyweight title from 1937-49, reportedly told Louis after the fight, I’m sorry, Joe.” Louis responded, “What’s the use of crying?… The better man won. I guess everything happens for the best.” The check is a striking artifact from the convergence of two of the most important boxers in history.
Joe Louis Training Camp Check For Rocky Marciano Fight 10/51 Last Fight of Career
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