1951 Joe Louis Signed Fight Contract (vs. Rocky Marciano) - Louis' Last Fight - PSA/DNA and JSA

Extraordinary one-page typed fight contract, dated September 6, 1951, signed by former heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis. This contract, between Joe Louis and Rocky Marciano, was for a heavyweight bout that was to be held at Madison Square Garden on October 26, 1951. It has been signed in blue fountain pen by "Joe Louis" along the base. The signatures of Marshall Miles (Joe Louis' manager) and Al Weill (Madison Square Garden executive/matchmaker) are scripted along the base as well. The aging Joe Louis was in financial distress when he agreed to fight the younger Rocky Marciano. Although he was an underdog, Marciano knocked out the "Brown Bomber" during the eighth round of the fight. In doing so, Marciano reluctantly ended Louis' legendary career. The contract (8.5 x 14 inches), which is stamped "Duplicate," displays three horizontal folds and is in Excellent condition overall. Full LOA from PSA/DNA. Please note a JSA authentication sticker is affixed to the reverse.