Heavyweight boxing champion of the world, 1933–34. Scarce glossy 8 x 10 photo of Carnera posing proudly with a championship belt, signed in green fountain pen. Accompanied by a 1948 Leaf boxing card and an original $10.40 full used/punched side box ticket from the November 27, 1931, bout against Campolo Vittorio in Madison Square Garden; this fight, a benefit for Jewish charities and an attempt to create the “Dreadnaught World Title,” was not surprisingly won by knockout by Carnera in the second round. Scattered surface marks and impressions, as well as some light creases, mainly to borders, and two original punch holes to ticket, otherwise fine condition.
Among the phrases used to describe Primo Carnera in his lifetime have been “freakishly big” and “unbelievably naive.” A one-time Italian circus performer, his size purportedly drew the attention of unsavory New York “businessmen” who fixed fights for him. As evidenced by this image, Carnera was clearly a large man with a heavy brow, dark eyes, and gigantic nose. Though his hands are concealed, one would imagine that his fists were equally large! Contrary to his perceived persona, Carnera was an intelligent man, well aware of the exploitation by his business partners, but happy to return the favor by getting as much from them as he could while he could. Carnera is important for being one of the heavyweights who helped keep the boxing alive after the retirement of Jack Dempsey and during the bleak trials of the Great Depression. A knock-out signed photo, rarely seen in this size! Pre-certified Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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