WALLACE, COLEY SIGNED PHOTO

Coley Wallace (April 5, 1927-January 30, 2005) was an American actor and heavyweight boxer who outpointed by Rocky Marciano in a three-round amateur fight. Although Wallace, a Jacksonville, FL native had a respectable record as a professional (20-7-0), his claim to fame came in 1948 when, as an amateur, he defeated future heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano in the finals of the New York Golden Gloves Tournament. Wallace's contact was "owned" under the table by the notorious Frank "Blinky" Palermo, a member of the Philadelphia crime family. Palermo was imprisoned in 1961 for conspiracy and extortion for the covert ownership of prizefighters. After boxing, Wallace acted in four movies, twice portraying the boxer Joe Louis. Wallace died on January 30, 2005, of heart failure in New York City. Offered here is an original promotional photograph of Coley Wallace which he has boldly signed and inscribed in ink.
This is an original, black & white, 8" x 10" promotional photograph of Wallace in fight pose. Boldly signed in lower right corner in ink, "To Jerry Best Wishes Coley Wallace." No creases or tears. Bold, clear image. Clean front and back. Minor edge wear.