Spring Premier Auction 2016
Wed, Apr 6, 2016 08:00PM EDT - Sun, Apr 24, 2016 11:00AM EDT
Timed Auction
Lot 1214
9/24/1953 ROCKY MARCIANO FIGHT WORN BENLEE BOXING TRUNKS FROM WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP BOUT AGAINST ROLAND LASTARZA - RING MAGAZINE FIGHT OF THE
Unsold
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $10 |
| $200 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $30,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
| $300,000 | $25,000 |
| $500,000 | $50,000 |
EXPLANATION FOR WITHDRAWL OF LOT: These trunks have been withdrawn due to the fact that they were erroneously attributed to Marciano's 1953 bout vs. LaStarza. The Marciano family believes that these were worn by Rocky vs. La Starza however they do not match photos from their Sept. 24 1953 bout. It is possible that they were worn by Rocky during his first bout vs. LaStarza on March 24 1950 but photography from that fight is limited. We are conducting further research on these trunks and plan to re-offer them in our Summer 2016 auction once they are properly identified.
The late Rocky Marciano held the world heavyweight title from September 23 1952 to April 27 1956. He went undefeated in his career (49-0) and defended his title six times against Jersey Joe Walcott Roland LaStarza Ezzard Charles (twice) Don Cockell and Archie Moore. Known for his relentless style stamina and an iron chin Marciano has been ranked by many boxing historians as one of the best heavyweight boxers of all time. His knockout percentage of 87.75 (43 KO in 49 fights) remains one of the highest in heavyweight history.
This lot features a pair of fight-worn trunks from Marcianos title defense against Roland LaStarza on Sept. 24 1953 at the Polo Grounds in New York. Both fighters entered the ring with impressive records Marciano at 44-0 and La Starza at 53-3. This fight was actually a rematch from an earlier bout between the two brawlers on March 24 1950 in which Marciano prevailed by what many considered a controversial split decision. Their first bout produced LaStarzas first defeat in 38 bouts. The second time around the stage was set for another battle.
LaStarza had won a heavyweight title eliminator bout against Rex Layne on Feb. 13 1953 which set him up for what was arguably the most important fight of his career: a rematch against Marciano for the world heavyweight championship. The second time around LaStarza fought Marciano on even terms for the first six rounds but began to tire afterwards. Referee Ruby Goldstein eventually stopped the fight with an 11th round TKO as Marciano was battering LaStarza relentlessly. This fight was LaStarza's first (out of 53) in which he was stopped.
The white silk trunks trimmed in black offered here are manufactured by Benlee with the companys label at the center waistband reading: BENLEE Sporting Goods MFG. Co. N.Y.C. Noticeably soiled the trunks even have blood stains on the front and back that certainly paint a vivid picture of a battle that brought out the best in both fighters.
Includes LOA from the Marciano Family.
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