1951 Sugar Ray Robinson Memorabilia Collection from the Two Randy Turpin Title Fights Including Programs, Tickets, Pins, and Signed Photos

Sold For:

$474

Year:

1951

Auction:

2013 Spring

Lot #:

1565

Category:

Boxing/Golf/Other Cards or Memorabilia

Collection of Sugar Ray Robinson memorabilia relating to both his July 10, 1951, and September 12, 1951, title fights against Randy Turpin for the middleweight championship of the world. On July 12, 1951, Turpin, who was the British middleweight champion, shocked the boxing world by soundly defeating Robinson for the middleweight crown. In the rematch, two months later, Robinson reclaimed his title by scoring a tenth-round TKO over the game British champion. Unfortunately, Turpin never recovered from that loss and later had to turn to professional wrestling to eke out a living. Despondent, he eventually committed suicide in 1966 at the age of thirty-eight. 1) Program (8.25 x 10.5 inches) from the July 10, 1951, middleweight title fight between Robinson and Turpin at Earls Court in London. Twenty-eight pages. A small chip on the right front border of the cover; otherwise Ex-Mt. 2) Full ticket (7 x 2.5 inches) to the September 12, 1951, Robinson/Turpin middleweight championship fight held at the Polo Grounds. Nr-Mt. 3) Program from the September 12, 1951, Robinson/Turpin middleweight championship fight held at the Polo Grounds. Thirty-two pages. Ex. 4-5) Pair of pin-back buttons picturing, respectively, Sugar Ray Robinson and Randy Turpin. Both buttons (1.75 inches in diameter) are identical in design and were most likely sold at souvenir stands at the September 12, 1951, title bout. Each displays light oxidation on the reverse; otherwise Ex. 6) Randy Turpin signed photo (3.5 x 5.5 inches). The photo pictures Turpin in a classic boxing pose and is inscribed in faded blue fountain pen (grading "4/5"), "Best Wishes/to Chamberlan Brown/from/Randy Turpin." Ex. 7) Sugar Ray Robinson signed photo (8 x 10 inches). Robinson is pictured in the ring striking a boxing pose. Inscribed in blue ink (grading "8"), "Best Wishes/Sugar Ray Robinson." Ex. 8) June 1951 issue of Sport magazine (8.5 x 10.75 inches) featuring Robinson on the cover. Vg. Total: 8 items. LOA from James Spence/JSA. Reserve $200. Estimate $500+. SOLD FOR $474.00