The Brockton Blockbuster signs loan document just seven months before his death. Partly Printed DS: "Rocky Marciano", 1p, 8½ x 13¾. Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 1969 January 27. Commercial Promissory Note No. 27938 between Marciano and The American National Bank and Trust Company of Fort Lauderdale for $5,000 at seven percent interest. The note was payable 91 days after the date of signing.  World Heavyweight Boxing Champion from 1952-1956, Rocky Marciano (1923-1969) signed this unsecured loan just seven months before he died in an airplane crash. The stocky, hard-punching Marciano began boxing while in the U.S. Army during WWII. Turning professional in 1947, "The Brockton Blockbuster" battled his way up to a championship fight with then champ "Jersey Joe" Walcott on September 23, 1952. Down by points going into the 13th round, Marciano needed a knockout to win the heavyweight crown; he smashed a short, right-hand punch onto the chin of Walcott, knocking him unconscious and into the former-champion category. Marciano's devastating right-hand became the most-feared punch in boxing; his aggressive tactics and ability to take a punch made him invincible during his professional career.

Vintage pair of boxing gloves signed by Leonard. Boxing Gloves inscribed and signed: " 11/17/19 To My Friend / Harold Levy / From Benny Leonard". Brown ink. Inscription inside left glove. Benny Leonard (1896-1947) was World Lightweight Champion from 1917 to 1925, when he retired. Financially ruined by the Crash of 1929, he successfully returned to the ring in 1931 and 1932. Leonard suffered a fatal heart attack in New York's St. Nicholas Arena on April 18, 1947 while refereeing a fight. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990. Fragile condition. Leather is cracked and exhibits some shedding. 2-inch tear on right glove. Displayed in acrylic case 22¼ x 30¼ x 13.