Lot 196
  • 196

Sonny Liston training gloves, signed by trainer Joe Pollino, with letter from Mel Greb, circa 1963

Estimate
1,500 - 2,500 USD
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Description

  • cotton, cow leather, nylon
A pair of 8 oz. red and white, lace-up boxing gloves, hand-stitched by Sammy Frager, with his labels on the wrists, signed in pencil inside the left glove by Sonny Liston’s trainer Joe Pollino; 3 pieces total

Together with the signed letter from Mel 'Red' Greb, known as boxing’s first Las Vegas icon, who told a young Cassius Clay that he needed to be more outspoken.

Condition

Good condition
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

The letter reads:

"These gloves (red, hand stitched by the late glove maker Sammy Frager, signed inside by Sonny Liston's trainer, Joe Pollino) are the backup set made especially for Liston’s huge hands and used as such in July 22, 1963 heavyweight fight between Liston and Floyd Patterson.

During the weigh-in, Liston tried the gloves on, Pollino then signed them and they were returned to the boxing commission.

Jim Deskin (for many years the Executive Secretary of the Nevada State Boxing Commission) gave them to me after the fight and they have remained in my possession until this day - April 27, 1992”

Liston, a 4-1 favorite, took Patterson down in the first round.
 
 
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