JO Sports Inc.
HISTORY: On May 24, 1954 at Korakuen Baseball Stadium in Tokyo, Japan world flyweight champion Yoshio Shirai defended his title against Leo Espinoza. Shirai prevailed winning a close 15 round split decision.
"World flyweight king Yoshio Shirai saved his crown Monday night with a split decision over Leo Espinosa which brought howls of protest from the challenger's corner. Even the fans gave the champion only a polite spattering of applause as the decision was announced. Most of them were Japanese who favored Shirai. There were a few cheers for the little Filipino, who had taken command in the middle rounds of a bruising struggle only to see the Japanese come back strong at the finish." -Associated Press Unofficial AP scorecard - 144-140 Espinosa Attendance - 35,000 (30,000 according to the Stars & Stripes) Gate - $72,000
Post fight comment: He's the champ but I'd like to fight him again." -Leo Espinosa
Offered here is a rare, original, official program for this event.
FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original, official program which consists of 12 pages complete including covers all in Japanese. Tight binding. Not scored or written on. Mild creasing. No tears. Clean inside and out. 7 1/4" x 10."
The first we have seen or offered.
