CORBETT III, YOUNG SOUVENIR PROGRAM (1969)

Young Corbett III (born May 27, 1905 in Potenza, Basilicata, Italy, d. 1993) was the world Welterweight boxing champion. He was born Raffaele Capabianca Giordano and began boxing in 1919 as Young Corbett III while still a 14-year-old "newsboy." A tough southpaw, Corbett fought many great fighters of his era. For example, he engaged in a four-fight series with future welterweight champion Young Jack Thompson, winning three and drawing once. He also scored wins over Jack Zivic, Sgt. Sammy Baker, and welterweight champion Jackie Fields and future middleweight king Ceferino Garcia. On February 22, 1933, Corbett captured the welterweight championship of the world by decisioning Jackie Fields over 10 rounds. Three months later, he was dethroned by Hall of Famer Jimmy McLarnin via a one round knockout. Corbett then moved up to the middleweight division. He scored wins over future light heavy champ Gus Lesnevich (TKO 5), as well as Hall of Famers Mickey Walker, Billy Conn and Fred Apostoli. On November 18, 1938, he challenged Apostoli for the middleweight crown, but was stopped in 8 rounds. Corbett boxed until 1940, when he retired with a 123-11-17 (33KOs) record. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall Of Fame in 2004. Offered here is a souvenir program from the 7th Annual Fresno Boxing Dinner on October 4, 1969 which saluted Young Corbett III.
This is a 16 page program completely devoted to Young Corbett III. Tight binding. Profusly illustrated. Not creased or torn. Paper clip impression in upper left corner. Generally clean. 8 1/2" x 11."