What are you top 5 20th century boxing cards?

[Exhibitman]

I don't have anything against Tyson, David. As I said, he was a worthy HOF selection and is a top 15 heavyweight. However, when viewed objectively, he is not a top-ten heavy for the reasons I stated. He could have been better if he'd been a better person, perhaps, but when gut-checked he was found wanting. He lost three prime years because he raped a woman and got his ass kicked by the two best fighters of his generation. He doesn't even measure up favorably in head to head battles with his elite contemporaries. That doesn't make me or the many other researchers who've ranked him "purists", just objective analysts. My favorite of the modern era is Lennox Lewis: I think he was better than Tyson but I wouldn't rank him with Ali or Dempsey or Johnson.

Now as far as the cards go, again, I am trying to be objective. I don't have any stake in this list, financial or otherwise. I have the modern cards as a collector but that's about where it ends for me; I don't have multiple copies of them sitting around so I have no reason to build a market for them, and I don't want more of them so I don't have any reason to tear down a market for them. You are correct that there is a PSA 10 Tyson that allegedly sold for $5,100 last year. Was it your purchase, because I see that you posted one in another thread about Tyson cards that you started last December? If not, do you know if it was an actual sale? Because from where I am sitting it looks very much like a Probstein/PWCC fake sale during the run-up. The prior sale was $1324.99; the next reported sales were $2650, $1927, and $2125. All strong sales to be sure, but not even close to top ten all time. For example, just taking Heritage's past results:

1948 Leaf Graziano: $29,875.00
E125 Jeffries: $19,120.00
T226 Johnson: $19,120.00
N167 Smith: $8,962.50
N386 Sullivan: $6,572.50
E125 Johnson: $5,975.00

I also know of multiple private sales in excess of $5,000 for individual cards and many more above $2,500.

I also don't operate on the paradigm that there 'should' be a modern fighter on the list. That is not a logical argument. It is a form of logical fallacy called a moralistic fallacy. Plus I am old enough to consider Ali a modern fighter

It is a nice and significant card, no doubt about that--I said it is one of the top five cards of the last 35 years--but viewed objectively and in context of all boxing cards I don't think it is the stuff dreams are made of.

[Dpeck100]

I purchased my copy from a member on CU a few years ago. The Tyson that sold was indeed sold. I know the person who sent it to PWCC.

Actually the Probstein "fake sale" wasn't so fake. The same person who sold the Italian copy through PWCC bought that UK back from Rick's consignor for $5,600. The auction was clearly shilled but a different buyer did indeed buy it and as far as I know still owns it. Recent sales have been closer to 2k for the UK back as more participants I believe realize it isn't the actual rookie.

I have a good number of the Tyson stickers so in some ways I am biased but I can tell you the reaction when people see them in person is quite strong and I think that is why so many collectors over the past few years have been snatching them up.

[wondo]

Let's get this going again. I've bougth and sold numerous "expensive" cards. That is NOT what makes a boxing card great. We are talking era, fighter, aesthetics, rarity, but not price, ..........certainly more factors. I am a Jack Johnson freak..............fascinating man and IBFHOF boxer. He has my favorite card and another which I consider THE best boxing card ever. Here is my list:

1. T218 Jack Johnson Side View (beautiful)
2. Exhibit Ezzard Charles (most intimidating)
3. 1951 Topps Ringside Joe Louis (the green)
4. T9 Turkey Red Jack Johnson (favorite)
5. 1948 Leaf Joe Louis (something pure, classic)

[Exhibitman]

This sort of noir movie lighting was common in the 40s and 50s.



Source photo:

[david_l]

I absolutely love those pics. I've been meaning to pick up a Charles exhibit card. I don't collect them but just love the photo. As Adam mentioned there's sort of a noir quality.

I grew up around Cincinnati not tremendously far from Ezzard Charles Drive. For such a sports city I think Charles' legacy has been kind of brushed aside for whatever reason. I grew up a big Cincy sports fan but only vaguely knew that Charles was some boxer. It's too bad really. The Cincinnati Cobra is definitely one of the greatest athletes affiliated with the region.

[oldjudge]

Got rid of most of my post-1890 boxing cards years ago, but I always loved my Ogdens and saved them. Here are a few of my favorites:

[wrestlingcardking]

Those look really nice, I could see why you have managed to keep them.