GILZENBERG, WILLY INK CUT SIGNATURE NOTE

HISTORY: Known as “The Beard” because he frequently needed a shave, Willy Gilzenberg never took part in sports, but he was involved in them as a publicist, fight manager, matchmaker and promoter of boxing and wrestling matches. Ile also promoted basketball and football games.

As president of the World Wide Wrestling Federation, an organization that furnished professional wrestlers to promoters in 20 states along the Eastern Seaboard, Mr. Gilzenberg often was asked, “Is professional wrestling on the level?” His answer, always delived with mock severity, was:

“When you see a wrestler in jail for fixing a bout, I'll give you $10,000. Football games have been fixed, basketball games have been fixed. You've seen that in the papers. But did anybody ever arrest wrestler for a fixed bout?”

As a manager Mr. Gilzenberg's major feat was matching one of his boxers, Freddie (Red) Cochrane, who had 29 defeats on his record, against Fritzle Zivic, the welterweight champion and one of the finest fighters to come out of Pittsburgh.

The contest was held in Newark' s Ruppert Stadium in 1991, and Cochrane, a 25to‐1 underdog, outpointed Zivic over 15 rounds to win the 147‐pound crown.

Mr. Gilzenberg and Tex Sullivan promoted more than 68 weeks of boxing shows at New York's St. Nicholas Arena in the early 50's. The fights were televised to more than 26 cities live and to 16 others on a delayed telecast.

But the organization ran afoul of Julius Helfand, the chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission, on a variety of charges.

Mr. Gilzenberg, as treasurer, resigned his office, and Mr.Helfand put the two promoters out of business as well as other managers in the Boxing Guild of New York.

Born in Newark, Mr. Gilzenberg spent most of his time in his Newark office while his wife and daughter lived in his South Miami home.

Willy Gilzenberg passed away at age 77 in November, 1978.

Offered here is a signed cut note by Willy Gilzenberg.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is a typed, cut note. Boldly signed in ink, "Willie Gilzenberg." Not creased. Light paper clip stain. 2" x 4."