Boxing Gloves Gallery

Training boxing glove signed by Cassius Clay, 1964. Creator: Wilson Sporting Goods Co

Buff-coloured left handed training glove signed by Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali). In ink, in the upper portion of the front of the glove, is a signed note referring to Clay as the next Heavyweight Champion. [From / Cassius Clay / Jan / 1964 / Next Heavyweight Campion / of the World]. Clay (Ali) did in fact become World Heavyweight Champion on 25 February the same year. At the bottom of the glove, above the wrist is an embossed impression of the manufacturer and serial number of the glove [Wilson / MADE IN USA / H1540]. Along the bottom edge of the glove and the opening for the hand is a white band of fabric. Along the back of the glove, across the wrist, is a small band of white elastic. Stitching throughout the glove is white thread

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Paulino Uzcudun, Spanish boxer, 1938

Paulino Uzcudun, Spanish boxer, 1938. Nicknamed the Basque Woodchopper, Uzcudun (1899-1985) is regarded as the best heavyweight boxer to come out of Spain. He was European champion three times, and fought some of the greatest heavyweights of his era, including Joe Louis, Max Baer, Max Schmeling (three times) and Primo Carnera (twice) during a 70 fight career, with 50 wins, 17 losses and 3 draws. Uzcudun was never knocked down in the ring until his final fight in 1935, when he lost on a technical knockout to Joe Louis after being put down by an uppercut in the 4th round. A Churchman's Cigarettes picture card

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Jack Johnson, American boxer, (1938)

Jack Johnson, American boxer, (1938). Nicknamed the Galveston Giant, Jack Johnson (1878-1946) became world champion in 1908 when he defeated Canada's Tommy Burns in Sydney. There was considerable opposition to the concept of a black man being world heavyweight champion, and a succession of great white hopes attempted to take the title from Johnson. In 1910 in what was billed the fight of the century, the former undefeated champion James J Jeffries came out of retirement to fight Johnson in Reno, Nevada. Jeffries stated I am going into this fight for the sole purpose of proving that a white man is better than a negro and the fight took place in a highly charged atmosphere of racial tension. Johnson dominated the fight, and Jeffries corner pulled him out in the 15th round to prevent him suffering a knockout. Johnson earned $225, 000 from his victory, which sparked race riots across the United States. He held the world title until 1915, when he was defeated by Jess Willard. A Churchman's Cigarettes picture card

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