JO Sports, Inc.
HISTORY: Marshall Davis Miles was a businessman who helped manage the boxing career of Joe Louis and remained his lifelong friend and adviser. Miles met Louis when he was a young fighter in Detroit through Louis's manager, John Roxborough, and took over the champion's career when Roxborough went to prison in 1946. Louis, the most admired African-American athlete of his day, retired as heavyweight champion in 1949 and made a brief attempt at a comeback two years later. He died in 1981. Miles was born in Demopolis, Ala., and came to Buffalo with his family as a child. He and his brothers, Percy and Mitchell, were among the city's pioneering African-American businessmen in the 1920's and 1930's, beginning with a shoe-repair shop, then with Miles Brothers Dairy. In addition to managing boxers, Miles branched out into real estate and investments. As Louis's manager, he sat ringside at major title fights for many years. Marshall Miles passed away in Buffalo at age 92 on December 10, 1997.
Offered here are the boxing licenses issued to Marshall Miles as the manager of Joe Louis for the city of Jacksonville, Florida for the calendar year October 1, 1948 to October 1, 1949.
FULL DESCRIPTION: These are the boxing licenses issued to Marshall Miles as the manager of Joe Louis for the city of Jacksonville, Florida for the calendar year October 1, 1948 to October 1, 1949. The first is the actual license numbered 10092 and naming Marshall Miles. The license has residue on the back from being placed in an album. Some soiling. Edge wear with paper loss on lower border. 6" x 8 1/4." The second is the license to be carried. Names Marshall Miles. Filled out in ink. Residue on back from being attached to an album page. Clean. Surface wear. One small corner crease. 2 1/4" x 3 7/8." Exceedingly rare.
