September 23, 1952 Rocky Marciano vs. Jersey Joe Walcott World Heavyweight Championship Full Ticket PSA VG-EX 4 - Marciano's First Title Bout - 1 of 2 - Highest Graded!

Rare full ticket to the first heavyweight title bout between Jersey Joe Walcott and Rocky Marciano, held at Municipal Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 23, 1952. Graded VG-EX 4 by PSA. This is one of only two full tickets graded at this level with none higher. It is also only the second example we have ever offered. Marciano, the challenger, entered the fight with a record of 42-0, all but six of which were won by knockout. Walcott, who was making his second title defense, managed to knock Marciano down in the first round and was well ahead by points on all three scorecards as they entered the thirteenth round. Needing a knockout for a victory, Marciano was able to pin Walcott against the ropes before delivering one of the most powerful knockout punches in boxing history. The blow to the jaw left Walcott hanging limply on the ropes as the referee counted him out and declared Marciano the winner and new champion. Marciano defeated Walcott again in a rematch one year later and then successfully defended his title five more times before retiring with an undefeated record of 49-0. The ticket (7-3/8 x 2-1/2 inches), which features portrait images of each boxer, displays touches of paper loss on the upper-left corner and left edge.