Proudly Presents...
The BOXING Page!!!
The BOXING Page!!!
1948 Leaf Knockout Gum #1 Jack Dempsey 1948 Leaf Knockout Gum #48 Joe Louis
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN... FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT, MAY WE PRESENT OUR TRIBUTE TO SOME HARD-HITTING, ROCK 'EM-SOCK 'EM IN-DA-MOUTH, PRIZE FIGHTERS!" Prize fighters, like baseball
players, were featured on early tobacco cards. Boxing was very popular but once it got into BIG money, different boxing organizations, "PAY PER VIEW," etc., it lost (in my opinion) a lot of it's appeal. I think what is
more popular now is "Extreme Fighting" where two guys get into a "cage" and pretty much beat each other into bloody pulps. More or less these are street fights, almost no rules, or finesse required. On this page we
will feature vintage boxing cards and some of the greatest boxers of all-time. Enjoy!
players, were featured on early tobacco cards. Boxing was very popular but once it got into BIG money, different boxing organizations, "PAY PER VIEW," etc., it lost (in my opinion) a lot of it's appeal. I think what is
more popular now is "Extreme Fighting" where two guys get into a "cage" and pretty much beat each other into bloody pulps. More or less these are street fights, almost no rules, or finesse required. On this page we
will feature vintage boxing cards and some of the greatest boxers of all-time. Enjoy!
| 1910 T218 Hassan Champions Jack Johnson (back view) |
The first African-American to win the World Heavyweight Championship, the great Jack Johnson. Johnson fought in a time of racial hatred and had to overcome many obstacles in his career and life. Originally, the white
establishment of the time would not allow blacks to fight whites for the World Title. However when Johnson was finally allowed to "prove himself" he defeated former Heavy Weight Champ James J. Jeffries in a widely
publicized match on July 4, 1910. Jeffries had retired undefeated a few years earlier but got back in shape and came back to fight Johnson. Jeffries said "I am going into this fight for the sole purpose of proving that a
white man is better than a Negro." Well the "Negro" turned the tables and beat Jeffries in 15 rounds. This event created racial tensions and violence against blacks and at least 20 blacks were killed in ensuing riots across
the States. Johnson's impact on society, sports, and history cannot be ignored. He opened the doors to future athletes such as Joe Louis, Jackie Robinson, and Muhammad Ali. Ken Burns did a terrific documentary on
Johnson called: "Unforgivable Blackness - The Rise And Fall Of Jack Johnson." For more on Jack Johnson click on this link (Courtesy Wikipedia - The Free Encyclopedia): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Johnson_(boxer)
establishment of the time would not allow blacks to fight whites for the World Title. However when Johnson was finally allowed to "prove himself" he defeated former Heavy Weight Champ James J. Jeffries in a widely
publicized match on July 4, 1910. Jeffries had retired undefeated a few years earlier but got back in shape and came back to fight Johnson. Jeffries said "I am going into this fight for the sole purpose of proving that a
white man is better than a Negro." Well the "Negro" turned the tables and beat Jeffries in 15 rounds. This event created racial tensions and violence against blacks and at least 20 blacks were killed in ensuing riots across
the States. Johnson's impact on society, sports, and history cannot be ignored. He opened the doors to future athletes such as Joe Louis, Jackie Robinson, and Muhammad Ali. Ken Burns did a terrific documentary on
Johnson called: "Unforgivable Blackness - The Rise And Fall Of Jack Johnson." For more on Jack Johnson click on this link (Courtesy Wikipedia - The Free Encyclopedia): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Johnson_(boxer)
1948 Leaf Knockout Gum (from left to right) #1 Jake LaMotta, #42 Marcel Cerdan, #64 Ray Robinson, #17 Jack Johnson
In 1948, Leaf Gum produced the first major trading card set devoted entirely to prize fighters. Entitled "Knock Out Gum" the series included both former and current (at the time) champions. Some real heavy hitters
were included: Jack Johnson (who was killed in 1946 in a car crash), Joe Louis, Jack Dempsey, "Sugar" Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Jake LaMotta, and more. These cards are nearly identical to the Leaf baseball
and football sets of the same year; colorized black and white photos printed on somewhat heavy cardboard. These cards have held up well over time and are considered "classic" today. One card that was created but
never released for this set was Rocky Graziano ("Somebody Up There Likes Me"). That card is ultra rare and there just might be only one or two known copies that are highly coveted today. The Graziano card is so rare
it is not considered part of a complete set (49 skip-numbered cards make up a complete set of Knockout Bubble Gum cards). As with most vintage Leaf cards, centering and print problems are the main issues for these
cards. And of course, back then kids would play with the cards and so most were handled and show signs of such. Still these are terrific pieces of vintage sports and Americana.
were included: Jack Johnson (who was killed in 1946 in a car crash), Joe Louis, Jack Dempsey, "Sugar" Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Jake LaMotta, and more. These cards are nearly identical to the Leaf baseball
and football sets of the same year; colorized black and white photos printed on somewhat heavy cardboard. These cards have held up well over time and are considered "classic" today. One card that was created but
never released for this set was Rocky Graziano ("Somebody Up There Likes Me"). That card is ultra rare and there just might be only one or two known copies that are highly coveted today. The Graziano card is so rare
it is not considered part of a complete set (49 skip-numbered cards make up a complete set of Knockout Bubble Gum cards). As with most vintage Leaf cards, centering and print problems are the main issues for these
cards. And of course, back then kids would play with the cards and so most were handled and show signs of such. Still these are terrific pieces of vintage sports and Americana.
1951 Topps Ringside #49 Bob Murphy SP (back view)
Topps Chewing Gum Company of Brooklyn New York produced a beautiful full color boxing set in 1951. Called Topps "Ringside" this classic set also featured former and current fighters. Included in the set is Rocky
Marciano's rookie card, Joe Louis, James Braddock ("Cinderella Man"), and more. The 1951 Topps Ringside cards were issued in two ways: 1 card for 1 penny or a 2-card panel for 5 cents. Cards still in panel form are
scarce and command a premium. This 1951 Topps #49 Bob Murphy is the most expensive card in the set as it was printed in very limited numbers; the above Bob Murphy card is currently listed on eBay for an asking
price of $699.00 obo! Ouch!
Marciano's rookie card, Joe Louis, James Braddock ("Cinderella Man"), and more. The 1951 Topps Ringside cards were issued in two ways: 1 card for 1 penny or a 2-card panel for 5 cents. Cards still in panel form are
scarce and command a premium. This 1951 Topps #49 Bob Murphy is the most expensive card in the set as it was printed in very limited numbers; the above Bob Murphy card is currently listed on eBay for an asking
price of $699.00 obo! Ouch!
This page is currently under construction! Please check back soon for more hard hitting,
butt-kicking boxing cards!
butt-kicking boxing cards!
In 1956, Gum Products issued it's "Adventure" series; a set of 100 cards depicting action and adventure scenes. Included in the set were several boxing issues, including Rocky Marciano (above right), Joe Louis,
Max Schmeling (very scarce card as it was printed with a "Swastika" and was pulled early from production for obvious reasons; see picture below), Gene Tunney (above left) and others. The Schmeling card is
quite scarce and hence commands a premium. However most of the other boxing cards are much more affordable than the 1948 Leaf and 1951 Topps Ringside cards.
Gene Tunney was, and still is, a very under appreciated fighter. He beat Jack Dempsey, not once, but twice (albeit the last fight with Dempsey was the famous "long count" fight in which Dempsey had knocked
Tunney down and over 10 seconds were allowed by the referee, enabling Tunney to avoid the KO); no small accomplishment. However Dempsey was an American "Icon" and even in his losses the public sided with
him. Tunney was a veteran Marine and deserved better. Still, he is in Boxing's Hall Of Fame along with Jack Dempsey.
Max Schmeling (very scarce card as it was printed with a "Swastika" and was pulled early from production for obvious reasons; see picture below), Gene Tunney (above left) and others. The Schmeling card is
quite scarce and hence commands a premium. However most of the other boxing cards are much more affordable than the 1948 Leaf and 1951 Topps Ringside cards.
Gene Tunney was, and still is, a very under appreciated fighter. He beat Jack Dempsey, not once, but twice (albeit the last fight with Dempsey was the famous "long count" fight in which Dempsey had knocked
Tunney down and over 10 seconds were allowed by the referee, enabling Tunney to avoid the KO); no small accomplishment. However Dempsey was an American "Icon" and even in his losses the public sided with
him. Tunney was a veteran Marine and deserved better. Still, he is in Boxing's Hall Of Fame along with Jack Dempsey.
1956 Gum Products Adventure #35 Gene Tunney 1956 Gum Products Adventure #44 Rocky Marciano
| 1956 Gum Products #86 The Black Uhlan Of The Rhine (Max Schmeling) SP |
As mentioned above, the 1956 Gum Products Adventure #86 "The Black Uhlan Of The Rhine" (Max Schmeling) card is very, very scarce. An ungraded example recently sold for $350 (March 2009) in an eBay
"Buy It Now" auction. Note the Swastika, which eBay requires to be "blacked out" when listing this card. I am not endorsing this symbol but I am presenting the card as it was issued in 1956. My apologies if this offends
anyone; it is not my desire to do so.
"Buy It Now" auction. Note the Swastika, which eBay requires to be "blacked out" when listing this card. I am not endorsing this symbol but I am presenting the card as it was issued in 1956. My apologies if this offends
anyone; it is not my desire to do so.
1940's-'50's Boxing Exhibit Rocky Graziano
Exhibit boxing cards were produced by the Exhibit Supply Company of Chicago and were issued in vending machines. These are postcard size cards usually found with blank backs, though some have postcard
backs as well. You can usually pick these up for a few bucks each, with major names (like the above left Louis and Marciano cards) costing a bit more.
If you can't afford a 1948 Leaf Rocky Graziano rarity (last PSA graded example sold for $17,903 in 2001; a PSA 4 VG-EX, and good luck finding one!) you can pick up a Rocky Graziano boxing Exhibit card (above
right) for cheap. I think I picked up one of these for a few bucks.
backs as well. You can usually pick these up for a few bucks each, with major names (like the above left Louis and Marciano cards) costing a bit more.
If you can't afford a 1948 Leaf Rocky Graziano rarity (last PSA graded example sold for $17,903 in 2001; a PSA 4 VG-EX, and good luck finding one!) you can pick up a Rocky Graziano boxing Exhibit card (above
right) for cheap. I think I picked up one of these for a few bucks.
Exhibit boxing cards (Joe Louis & Rocky Marciano)
T218 Boxing
1948 Leaf Knockout Bubble Gum
1951 Topps Ringside
1956 Gum Products Adventure
Exhibit Supply Company Inc.
1977 French Sportscaster Boxing card
(Mohammad Ali vs. Richard Dunn)
(Mohammad Ali vs. Richard Dunn)
Mohammad Ali is featured on several boxing card issues. His rookie card is considered to be the 1971 Barratt & Company Ltd "Famous Sportsmen" #24 Cassius Clay (above left) but I think it's kind of ridiculous
to call a card a "rookie card" when Ali had been boxing for almost a decade prior to this issue. So I am not going to call this his "rookie card," but it should be noted that this is an expensive card. This PSA 9 MINT graded
example has an asking price of $750 on eBay (April 2009). I do know of a boxing Exhibit card that was issued of Cassius Clay that would pre-date this 1971 Barratt & Co. card but I guess they figure that the Barratt card is
from a more "mainstream" set. A very early card that features Ali (or Cassius Clay as he was known then) is 1965 #154 Lampo Grand Champions Cassius Clay (Italian issue). There are a couple on eBay with astronomical price
tags. There are also some Dutch gum cards that feature Ali and these are very undervalued. Regardless, any vintage Mohammad Ali card is a terrific collectible. The 1977-79 Sportscaster set (a huge set that featured all sports
and was available via mail order) featured many boxing cards including Ali. This 1977 French Sportscaster boxing card (above right) is similar to the U.S. version except for the French text and is a cool card featuring Ali
while he was still an active boxer. There are several Ali issues included in the Sportscaster series and all are very affordable, probably a few bucks each.
to call a card a "rookie card" when Ali had been boxing for almost a decade prior to this issue. So I am not going to call this his "rookie card," but it should be noted that this is an expensive card. This PSA 9 MINT graded
example has an asking price of $750 on eBay (April 2009). I do know of a boxing Exhibit card that was issued of Cassius Clay that would pre-date this 1971 Barratt & Co. card but I guess they figure that the Barratt card is
from a more "mainstream" set. A very early card that features Ali (or Cassius Clay as he was known then) is 1965 #154 Lampo Grand Champions Cassius Clay (Italian issue). There are a couple on eBay with astronomical price
tags. There are also some Dutch gum cards that feature Ali and these are very undervalued. Regardless, any vintage Mohammad Ali card is a terrific collectible. The 1977-79 Sportscaster set (a huge set that featured all sports
and was available via mail order) featured many boxing cards including Ali. This 1977 French Sportscaster boxing card (above right) is similar to the U.S. version except for the French text and is a cool card featuring Ali
while he was still an active boxer. There are several Ali issues included in the Sportscaster series and all are very affordable, probably a few bucks each.
1971 Barratt & Co. Ltd. #24 Cassius Clay
"Floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee..."
1951 Berk Ross "Hit Parade Of Champions"
1951 Berk Ross Sam Jethroe/ Sandy Saddler 2-card panel (back view)
The 1951 Berk Ross "Hit Parade Of Champions" was a small regional set that featured mostly baseball players. However also included were stars from other sports, like boxing. Several boxing cards were issued
including Jake LaMotta, Ray Robinson, and this nice Sandy Saddler boxing card (above). Cards were issued in 2-card panel form, intended to be pulled apart at the perforations to make card "singles." These
cards are not as popular as mainstream cards of the era (Bowman & Topps); however they are scarce and terrific collectibles in their own right. Also featured in the set was the last card of Joe DiMaggio as an active
player (he was not included in either the Bowman or Topps sets), Whitey Ford's first card (which corresponds to his 1951 Bowman #1 rookie card), an early Bob Cousey card, and even a Jesse Owens card! Terrific
and under appreciated set!
including Jake LaMotta, Ray Robinson, and this nice Sandy Saddler boxing card (above). Cards were issued in 2-card panel form, intended to be pulled apart at the perforations to make card "singles." These
cards are not as popular as mainstream cards of the era (Bowman & Topps); however they are scarce and terrific collectibles in their own right. Also featured in the set was the last card of Joe DiMaggio as an active
player (he was not included in either the Bowman or Topps sets), Whitey Ford's first card (which corresponds to his 1951 Bowman #1 rookie card), an early Bob Cousey card, and even a Jesse Owens card! Terrific
and under appreciated set!
1927 Fro-Joy #5 Gene Tunney
The great Gene Tunney lost only 1 fight in his heavy weight career. Tunney appeared on numerous boxing issues: Exhibit
cards, 1933 Goudey Sport Kings, and both the 1948 Leaf and 1951 Topps Ringside sets to name a few. This is a pretty rare
issue from Fro-Joy Ice Cream. Fro-Joy also produced a set of Babe Ruth cards so including Gene Tunney meant he was a big
name in sports. Beating Jack Dempsey (twice) will do that for you. The above 1927 Fro-Joy Gene Tunney is card number 5
of 6 different Tunney cards. According to the back of the card (see right), you could send in a set of (6) cards to Fro-Joy for a
reproduction of Gene Tunney's autographed photo. I think I'd rather have the six Tunney cards, even just one. These are a
very tough issue.
cards, 1933 Goudey Sport Kings, and both the 1948 Leaf and 1951 Topps Ringside sets to name a few. This is a pretty rare
issue from Fro-Joy Ice Cream. Fro-Joy also produced a set of Babe Ruth cards so including Gene Tunney meant he was a big
name in sports. Beating Jack Dempsey (twice) will do that for you. The above 1927 Fro-Joy Gene Tunney is card number 5
of 6 different Tunney cards. According to the back of the card (see right), you could send in a set of (6) cards to Fro-Joy for a
reproduction of Gene Tunney's autographed photo. I think I'd rather have the six Tunney cards, even just one. These are a
very tough issue.
| 1920 W529 Jack Dempsey (Reverse image) This is a very early Jack Dempsey issue. The "W529" refers to the catalog number, but essentially this was a "strip card." Strip cards were issued in "strips" with multiple players or famous figures. I believe they were obtained in vending machines but regardless they are very tough to find. Most were cut into "singles" like the above Dempsey card. I don't know if the seller got it, but he was asking over $750 for this card on eBay. |
1991 AW Sports Boxing #145 Marciano vs. Walcott I
"Jersey" Joe Walcott is about to kiss the canvas. The 1991 AW Sports Boxing cards were a large mainstream issue and while I normally don't collect "newer" card issues, this is a great looking card. I mean, Walcott is
not looking too good, but what a shot (both the photograph and Marciano's right)! Say "goodnight" to "Jersey" Joe!
not looking too good, but what a shot (both the photograph and Marciano's right)! Say "goodnight" to "Jersey" Joe!
1954 Topps #39 Scoops Dempsey Defeats Willard 1954 Topps Scoops #40 Joe Louis New Champ
In 1954 Topps produced a beautiful color set of sports highlight cards called Topps "Scoops." The fronts had full color drawings and the backs had a mock newspaper write up of the event. Included were a few boxing
cards including Jack Dempsey (above left), Joe Louis (above right), Rocky Marciano, and John L. Sullivan. Originally the cards were issued with black scratch off ink on the fronts but usually you find these scratched off.
These cards are very undervalued in my opinion.
cards including Jack Dempsey (above left), Joe Louis (above right), Rocky Marciano, and John L. Sullivan. Originally the cards were issued with black scratch off ink on the fronts but usually you find these scratched off.
These cards are very undervalued in my opinion.
1933 Goudey Sport Kings #17 Jack Dempsey
Goudey Gum is famous for it's classic vintage baseball sets during the 1930's. Goudey also issued the one of the most popular non-sports card sets in 1933 (and later re-issued in 1947) with their
"Indian Gum" series which featured Indians, Cowboys, pioneers, and outlaws. In 1933 Goudey released just a super set with it's "Sport Kings Gum" series. Included were all the big names in the
world of sports: Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Babe Didrickson, Knute Rockne, Eddie Shore, even famous Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku. Four famous boxers were in the set including Gene Tunney
and this beautiful Jack Dempsey card. These cards are quite popular and as with all vintage cards, the higher the grade, the higher the price. Expect to pay around $225 for this Dempsey card in
graded (by a reputable grading service) EXCELLENT (EX) condition. These cards have been reprinted and also altered to appear to be older than they are so be careful when purchasing ungraded
examples.
"Indian Gum" series which featured Indians, Cowboys, pioneers, and outlaws. In 1933 Goudey released just a super set with it's "Sport Kings Gum" series. Included were all the big names in the
world of sports: Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Babe Didrickson, Knute Rockne, Eddie Shore, even famous Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku. Four famous boxers were in the set including Gene Tunney
and this beautiful Jack Dempsey card. These cards are quite popular and as with all vintage cards, the higher the grade, the higher the price. Expect to pay around $225 for this Dempsey card in
graded (by a reputable grading service) EXCELLENT (EX) condition. These cards have been reprinted and also altered to appear to be older than they are so be careful when purchasing ungraded
examples.
1938 Churchman Tobacco Jack Dempsey
In 1938, Churchman Tobacco of England issued a 50 card set of boxing cards. Called Churchman's "Boxing Personalities," these small black and white cards were issued in cigarette packages. Fronts have a posed
shot and the backs have a brief biography of the fighter. These cards are very inexpensive and are a great buy for any boxing or sports card fan! This 1938 Churchman Jack Dempsey card (above left) was recently
listed on eBay for only $20! That is a bargain in my opinion. Also check out the cool candy bar wrapper endorsed by Jack Dempsey- "I've tried them all, this is the Best" Jack Dempsey.
shot and the backs have a brief biography of the fighter. These cards are very inexpensive and are a great buy for any boxing or sports card fan! This 1938 Churchman Jack Dempsey card (above left) was recently
listed on eBay for only $20! That is a bargain in my opinion. Also check out the cool candy bar wrapper endorsed by Jack Dempsey- "I've tried them all, this is the Best" Jack Dempsey.
1951 Topps Ringside Advertising Panel (Back panel)
Here is a terrific (& rare) advertising panel for the 1951 Topps Ringside picture cards. Featured on the panel is Rocky Mariciano (considered his "rookie card") and also a great looking
"Sugar" Ray Robinson card ("Ray Robinson vs. Marty Servo"). The reverse shows a colorful boxing scene advertising the Ringside cards ("Save 'Em, Trade 'Em"). This is just an
awesome piece!
"Sugar" Ray Robinson card ("Ray Robinson vs. Marty Servo"). The reverse shows a colorful boxing scene advertising the Ringside cards ("Save 'Em, Trade 'Em"). This is just an
awesome piece!
1951 Topps Ringside #34 Ray Robinson vs. Marty Servo 1951 Topps Ringside #44 Tony Zale vs. Marcel Cerdan
| Jack Dempsey hamming it up |
1930's-'40's? Jack Dempsey Mil Chocolate Bar Wrapper
June 10, 1948 Press Photo Rocky Graziano vs. Tony Zale III
These guys are not "hamming it up." Rocky Graziano and Tony Zale fought 3 epic fights together (more like brawls), with Zale winning 2 of the 3. They were real slugfests and both fighters gave it their all. Both
fighters are also in Boxing's Hall of Fame. Graziano, being an Italian from New York City got a bit more exposure than Zale, who came from Gary, Indiana. Hollywood even made a movie about Graziano, called
"Someone Up There Likes Me" starring Paul Newman as Rocky Graziano. Now Paul Newman was a great actor, but he sure as hell did not look anything like Rocky Graziano. And vice versa. Regardless it was a pretty
good film but I don't know how much of it was based on the actual book by Graziano (also entitled "Someone Up There Likes Me"). There are very few vintage boxing cards of Rocky Graziano. For an affordable card you
can pick up a Boxing Exhibit card of Graziano for a few bucks (see above). Also you can find "The Ring" Magazines with Graziano pictured on the cover or you can pick up vintage wire photos like the above example.
Tony Zale is featured in both the 1948 Leaf and 1951 Topps Ringside sets and both cards are affordable.
fighters are also in Boxing's Hall of Fame. Graziano, being an Italian from New York City got a bit more exposure than Zale, who came from Gary, Indiana. Hollywood even made a movie about Graziano, called
"Someone Up There Likes Me" starring Paul Newman as Rocky Graziano. Now Paul Newman was a great actor, but he sure as hell did not look anything like Rocky Graziano. And vice versa. Regardless it was a pretty
good film but I don't know how much of it was based on the actual book by Graziano (also entitled "Someone Up There Likes Me"). There are very few vintage boxing cards of Rocky Graziano. For an affordable card you
can pick up a Boxing Exhibit card of Graziano for a few bucks (see above). Also you can find "The Ring" Magazines with Graziano pictured on the cover or you can pick up vintage wire photos like the above example.
Tony Zale is featured in both the 1948 Leaf and 1951 Topps Ringside sets and both cards are affordable.
June 28, 1950 World Middleweight Championship Graziano vs. La Motta Ringside Ticket
The June 28, 1950 World Middleweight Championship Fight between Rocky Graziano and Rocky Marciano never materialized as Graziano suffered a broken hand prior to the fight. So this Ringside seat ticket was
never used. Check out the price for a Ringside seat, $20. That was a lot of money in 1950. Regardless this is a fight "that never was" but it sure would have been a dandy. This "phantom" ticket is currently listed on
eBay (March 8, 2010).
never used. Check out the price for a Ringside seat, $20. That was a lot of money in 1950. Regardless this is a fight "that never was" but it sure would have been a dandy. This "phantom" ticket is currently listed on
eBay (March 8, 2010).