This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/17/2021
Offered is a ticket for the "Official Weighing in of Jim Braddock and Joe Louis at Auditorium Theatre Chicago on June 22, 1937 12 Noon." The ticket was issued by the "State Athletic Commission of Illinois" for the midday weigh in, which even then had become a media primer for an upcoming fight. The bout that evening was Braddock's first and only title defense after holding the title for just over two years since his unlikely defeat of then World Heavyweight Champion Max Baer on June 13, 1935. The fight with Louis ended Braddock's brief reign, and started a 12-year run as Champ for Joe Louis when he knocked out Braddock in the eight round. Ironically, the bearer of this weigh in ticket would have heard Braddock predict that he would knockout Louis in the 8th round. Braddock did catch Louis with a hard right in an early round that knocked him down, albeit briefly, and if that punch had landed just a bit more solidly it could have changed the outcome. As it was, Louis was the far better boxer at that point; he had just a been a little careless early on in the fight. The ticket measures 4 3/4 x 2 3/4 inches and presents with minor toning on the right side. Excellent to Mint condition.