NORKUS, CHARLIE INK SIGNED ALBUM PAGE

Tough hitting Charley Norkus, born and fought amateurs in NYC, later turned pro out of New Jersey, only to return to NY in 1953, when he was ranked in top 10. Charley Norkus started fighting amateur fights at the age of 16 in Queens, NY in 1944. A heavyweight at 180 lbs during his amateur career; he entered the NY Golden Gloves in 1945 and 1946 and came away runner-up (silver gloves) in 1946 in the 175 lbs open division. He enlisted in the US Marines right out of Jamaica HS. He was undefeated as a US Marine boxer winning the US Navy and US Marine Heavyweight Titles in San Diego,CA in 1948. When his stint was up with the US Marines, he turned Pro out of Bayonne, New Jersey. Charley rose quickly through the Heavyweight ranks breaking into the top ten by 1954.He moved back to Long Island and trained in Stillman’s Gym full time. A pair of victories over tough Danny Nardico in Fla, and then Roland LaStarza, lined Charley up in a bout with the highly touted Charlie Powell in San Francisco. Undefeated Powell (11-0,9Kos) was the favorite going into the fight, but Norkus found a home for his left hooks and KO’d Powell in the 7th Rd on National TV. Ring Spoiler Charley Norkus was soon promised a title shot versus Marciano if he could get by Ezzard Charles in Madison Sq Garden. In another National TV fight, Norkus lost the close 10 Rd dec to “Old Ezz”. Charley faced 3 world champions in non-title fights during his career, going the distance with each, Ezzard Charles, Archie Moore, and Wille Pastrano. Archie Moore and Charley fought each other in San Francisco in 1958, going 10 Rds, with Archie the UD victor. Charlie Powell beat Norkus in 1958, avenging his previous loss to Norkus in 1954. Charley Norkus retired in 1959; after 52 fights, 33-19, 19 KO’s.Known as a no nonsense,hard punching, knockout artist during his career, which was self evident during his 14 National TV appearances during his career.In 1974, Charley became a NYS Ath. Comm. Referee and oversaw Pro bouts for 20 years.Charley received NYC’s Downtown Athletic Club’s “Boxing Greats Award” in 1977 and was Inducted posthumously into the New Jersey Boxing HOF in 1996. Charley passed away at his home for 35 years in Wantagh, NY on March 22,1996. Offered here is an original album page which has been boldly signed by Charley Norkus in ink.
This is an original, paper album page. Boldly signed in ink, "To my Pal Vince All the best of Everything to a swell guy Your buddy Charles Norkus." Not creased or torn. Stain at upper right, well outside signature. 4 1/2" x 5."