MARCIANO, ROCKY-JERSEY JOE WALCOTT I ON SITE POSTER (1952-MARCIANO WINS TITLE)

HISTORY: On September 23, 1952 World Heavyweight Champion Jersey Joe Walcott defended his title against Rocky Marciano at Municipal Stadium in Philadelphia. Marciano was well behind on points when he dramatically stopped Walcott in the 13th round with one of the most memorable punches thrown in the history of boxing. The era of Rocky Marciano's reign as World Heavyweight Champion had begun. The fight was shown on closed circuit TV in 50 theaters in 31 cities coast to coast. Marciano was a slight betting favorite. A left hook from Walcott floored Marciano early in the first round. It was the first time in his 43-fight professional career that Marciano had been knocked down. He got up at the count of four. Going into the 13th round, Walcott was ahead on all three official scorecards. Early in the round, Walcott backed up to the ropes and began to launch a right hand, but Marciano beat him to it and put him down for the count with a right to the jaw. The fight was named The Ring Fight of the Year. The 13th round was named The Ring Round of the Year. The fight was named the 16th Greatest Title Fight of All-Time by The Ring in 1996. Offered here is an exceptionally rare, original, on site poster for this event.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original, cardboard, on site poster which pictures both fighters. Bold color and print. Bold, clear images. Clean. This poster has been professionally restored. Three original folds have been flattened. Some restoration at corners and at print near the bottom, none affecting the images. Reinforced on the back, but no cardboard has been replaced. A light finish has been applied for preservation. Care was taken to preserve the original poster and restoration to clean and repair was done to ensure the poster not deteriorate at all. 22 1/2" x 28." An exceptional offering as we know of only one other example.