BOXART BOXING MEMORABILIA

Offered here are the shorts worn by Archie Moore during his successful World Light Heavyweight Championship defence versus Yolande Pompey on June 5, 1956. The fight took place at Harringay Arena, London. The XL black satin shorts have gold trim at the waistband and down the piping on each leg. They display some fading in places due to previously being displayed in a frame for many years. The shorts matched perfectly with photos from the fight that are widely available online.

In 1956 Moore fought mostly as a heavyweight, but did retain his Light Heavyweight title with this victory over Yolande Pompey. Pompey was ahead on points at the end of the eighth round, but Moore came on strong in the second half of the fight. As described by the Associated Press: "Then came the ninth and Moore pounded Pompey with crushing rights and left hooks. Blood spurted from a deep cut over Pompey's left eye. In the 10th, Moore went in for the kill. He sent Pompey down for counts of eight, nine and eight before Referee Jack Hart stopped the slaughter."

The gloves are accompanied by a letter of authenticity from renowned boxing authority Craig Hamilton who states: "These are the fight worn trunks used by Archie Moore during this fight .... There is soiling and wear consistent with use .... The trunks were compared for sizing to the fight worn trunks Archie Moore used in his fight against Yvon Durelle. The trunks were the same style and exact same size. A comparison of the trunks to still photographs from the Moore-Pompey fight was favourable."​

Provenance: From the collection of English soccer player/manager Colin Lee, who acquired them in 1996.

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