JO Sports, Inc.
HISTORY: Joseph Louis Barrow (May 13, 1914 – April 12, 1981) was an American professional boxer who competed from 1934 to 1951. Nicknamed the Brown Bomber, Louis is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential boxers of all time. He reigned as the world heavyweight champion from 1937 until his temporary retirement in 1949. He was victorious in 25 consecutive title defenses, a record for all weight classes. Louis had the longest single reign as champion of any boxer in history.
Louis's cultural impact was felt well outside the ring. He is widely regarded as the first African-American to achieve the status of a nationwide hero within the United States, and was also a focal point of anti-Nazi sentiment leading up to and during World War II because of his historic rematch with German boxer Max Schmeling in 1938. He was instrumental in integrating the game of golf, helping break the sport's color barrier in America by appearing under a sponsor's exemption in a PGA event in 1952.
In 1933, Louis won the Detroit-area Golden Gloves Novice Division championship against Joe Biskey for the light heavyweight classification.
Offered here is the original 1933 Golden Gloves Trophy awarded to Joe Louis for his victory over Joe Biskey. Joe louis gave this award to his personal friend and barber Sylvester Touchstone. Sylvester Touchstone sold the trophy to Gerald Priddy who has provided a letter along with a copy of a letter from Louis to Touchstone in which Louis mentions this trophy along with other items he has given him. The trophy has been sold several times at auction since. Letters from Craig Hamilton of JO Sports, Inc. are included.
FULL DESCRIPTION: This is a metallic trophy which rests on a bakelite base. On the front the trophy is inscribed, "THE DETROIT FREE PRESS GOLDEN GLOVES 1933 AWARDED TO JOE LOUIS 175 LBS NOVICE." WALLACE TROPHY engraved on washer at the bottom. A few minor pit marks. 7" (W) x 11 1/2" (H).
An exceedingly rare offering of an original award presented to the great fighter and American, Joe Louis.
