GRAZIANO, ROCKY SIGNED ACTION PHOTO (ZALE FIGHT)

On July 16, 1947 at Chicago Stadium world middleweight champion Tony Zale fought Rocky Graziano for the second time. Zale won the first meeting, but this time Graziano was the victor stopping Zale in the 6th round to win the title. On February 7, 1947, the NYSAC revoked Graziano's boxing license and threatened to bar him for life for his failure to report two $100,000 bribe offers. The NBA, which controlled boxing virtually everywhere in the U.S. outside of New York, did not recognize NYSAC's decision. This fight was named 1947 Fight of the Year by Ring Magazine. Graziano was floored for a no-count in the third round. In the sixth round, Zale took a barrage of over thirty punches while on the ropes, and the referee stopped the fight. Offered here is an action photo from this fight which has been signed and inscribed by Rocky Graziano in vintage hand.
This is an original, 8" x 10" action photograph. Bold, clear image. Clean, except for one spot on left white border. Not creased. Minor edge and corner wear. Boldly signed in ink by Graziano, "To John Costello I sincerely hope that some pretty college girl invites you to her Convacation Ball-Your friend Rocky Graziano." Scarce vintage signed photo.