FOREMAN, GEORGE-CLAY HODGES ORIGINAL AMATEUR ON SITE POSTER (1968)

On January 24, 1968 (originally scheduled for 1/17/68) future Olympic Champion and World Heavyweight Champion George Foreman fought an amateur fight against the elusive Clay Hodges as part of a professional boxing show at the Oakland Auditorium in Oakland, California. Foreman lost a split 3 round decision to Hodges, who would again beat Foreman three months later. Clay Hodges out pointed the strong and aggressive nineteen year old, twice. Clay was a two-time National Golden Gloves champion, from both 1966 and ’67. He was simply too skilled for the raw Foreman, who, despite hurting Hodges early in both fights, could not finish him off. George was devastated. Losing to the same man twice, in a space of less than three months, seriously dented his confidence. Who would have guessed that later on in the year George would come to world attention by winning Olympic gold in Mexico? Certainly not Clay Hodges. Offered here is an incredibly rare on site poster of Foreman vs. Clay Hodges.
This original, on site poster is heavy stock paper and pictures George Foreman. Has the original folds. Minor tack holes. Images are clear and bold. Color has faded slightly. Ticket Agency locations have been circled in ink. Minor tear at top center border with no paper loss. Edge and corner wear. 22" x 28." Incredibly rare very early poster of George Foreman.