LICATA, TONY SIGNED LETTER AGREEMENT (1979)

Tony Licata was born in New Orleans on February 10, 1952. The smooth boxing Licata turned professional in 1969 and was undefeated in his first 52 fights ( 49-0-3 ). During that streak he defeated the likes of Mike Pusateri, Luis Vinales, Jose Chirino, Art Hernandez, Denny Moyer, Emile Griffith, Cubby " Top Cat " Jackson, Mike Baker and Vinnie Curto. He suffered his first loss in 1975 on an upset decision to Argentina's Ramon Mendez. Tony came right back to outscore Mendez in a rematch. On June 30, 1975 Licata met another native of Argentina, the great Carlos Monzon. This was for the middleweight title and they fought at New York's Madison Square Garden. It would be Monzon's only appearance in the United States. Licata fought gamely but was overpowered by King Carlos in round ten. Licata would go on to lose five more times in his career to Jean Mateo, Mike Colbert, Alan Minter, Fred Johnson and Tony Chiaverini. After the loss to Monzon he did defeat Mike Rossman, Mike Nixon and Mel Dennis. Tony retired in 1980 after 72 fights. His overall record was an outstanding 61-7-4 with 27 knockouts. He was halted on four occasions. He met four world champions. Tony Licata died of a heart attack on May 22, 2008. Offered here is a one page letter agreement in which Licata agrees that in exchange for a copy of the film of his fight with Monzon he releases any claim to the film rights. Signed in ink by Licata and Hall of Fame manager and film collector Bill Cayton.
This is an original one page typed letter agreement dated February 5, 1979. Bold ink signatures. Has original folds. Minor edge wear. Clean. 8 1/2" x 11." Scarce signatures.