(LOT 343)
Significant 1941 Joe Louis Image Used for his Iconic 1951 Topps Ringside Issue - PSA Type 1 Encapsulated Associated Press Photo – Measures Approx. 3-3/4" x 8"
This extraordinary 3-3/4" x 8" photo portrays the immortal Joe Louis in a classic boxing pose that was used for his iconic 1951 Topps Ringside boxing card! A miraculous offering to say the least, this immortal sports hero is widely recognized as one of the greatest all-time boxers, standing right alongside the legendary Muhammad Ali as the "best of the rest." The "Brown Bomber", Joe Louis, held the heavyweight boxing title for 13 consecutive years (1937-1949), and won a staggering 66 fights against only 3 losses. His most notable win came against the German Champion Max Schmeling who had handed Louis his first professional loss on June 19, 1936. Two years later, on June 22, 1938 before a packed house of over 70,000 fans at Yankee Stadium, Louis literally "pummeled" Scheming in the first round, knocking him down three times until the referee called the match after 2 minutes/4 seconds.

Louis had exacted his revenge and immediately assumed the role of an American hero. The photo emanates remarkable clarity and contrast, as Louis appears to be ready to knock down another overmatched opponent with his powerful right-cross punch. Obviously, the image was previously trimmed down, a common issue with many vintage photos, with the verso revealing the critical Associated Press credit stamp as well as some 1941 and 1942 dated stamps. Most significantly, this is the EXACT IMAGE utilized for the Bronx Bomber's legendary 1951 Topps Ringside issue, and as most enthusiasts are truly aware of, seizing original photos used for the individual's classic cards is one of "hottest" collecting angles in the hobby. Indeed, this African-American legend left an indelible mark not only on the boxing world but more meaningfully, a captivated Nation!

MIN BID $200
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