Lot 698. 8” x 10” Color Photo of His Fight with Muhammad Ali Signed by Leon Spinks. On Feb. 15, 1978, Spinks pulled off one of boxing’s biggest upsets, outpointing Muhammad Ali and capturing the heavyweight title in only his sixth pro bout. Ali won the rematch seven months later. Spinks’ black-sharpie signature is a 10. Authenticated by Kevin Keating.
Minimum Bid $20.
Lot 699. Everlast Boxing Glove Autographed by Heavyweight Champion Leon Spinks, who added “78 Champ!” An Olympic Gold Medal winner in 1976, Spinks captured the world heavyweight title in only his sixth professional bout by decisioning Muhammad Ali. Seven months later, he lost the title to Ali. The size 10 right-hand glove is nm-m, and Spinks’ signature is a 10. Authenticated by Kevin Keating.
Winning Bid $50.
Lot 700. Scarce Autograph of Three-Time Olympic Boxing Champion Teofilo Stevenson. Representing Cuba, Stevenson won gold in the Olympic heavyweight boxing competition at Munich in 1972, Montreal in 1976 and Moscow in 1980. Offered $5 million to challenge Muhammad Ali for the professional heavyweight title, Stevenson replied, “What is $5 million against the love of five million Cubans?” He is considered to be one of the greatest amateur boxers. Examples of his signature are scarce. His signature on this 8” x 10” photo is a 10. Authenticated by Kevin Keating.
Winning Bid $40.
Lot 701. Porcelain Statue Featuring Boxers Jack Langan and Tom Spring, who fought memorable, marathon bare-knuckles bouts in 1824. Spring became the English boxing champion in 1821. Langan, from Ireland, challenged him for the title. Spring triumphed in their first match in 77 rounds. In their second meeting, Spring needed only 76 rounds to retain his title. He then retired, primarily because of damage to his hands from bare-knuckles fighting. He was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992. The colorful statue of the two boxers is about 7” wide x 3” deep x 8” tall. These statues, produced in the 1970s, are seldom found in condition this nice. Upon close examination, it shows some minor crazing, which is common. It is free of chips. Attractive ex-m+.
Winning Bid $50.
