ROBINSON, SUGAR RAY-CARMEN BASILIO II SOUVENIR PENNANT (1958)

HISTORY: Sugar Ray Robinson fought Carmen Basilio for the 2nd time on March 25, 1958 in Chicago. Robinson won by decision after 15 rounds to regain the World Middleweight Title. There was a crowd of 17,976. The gross gate was $351,955 and the net gate was $278,108. Each fighter collected 30% of the net gate, an estimated $300,000 from closed circuit TV and $30,000 from the national radio broadcast. Basilio's left eye was swollen shut. The Associated Press reported: "By the time the sixth round started, there was scarcely a slit in the champion's puffed eye." A ringside poll had 28 writers scoring the fight for Robinson, one favoring Basilio and one calling it even. The fight was named The Ring Fight of the Year for 1958.

Presented here is a rare souvenir pennant from this event.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is a 27" long souvenir felt penannt from this fight which pictures a fighter at one end. Slight tear along left edge. Has tack holes in three corners. Some soiling. Clipped end on right side. Extremely rare pennant. The only we have seen from this fight.