This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2013
Offered here is a pristine example of the full-size replica official World Boxing Association (WBA) Championship belt, signed in silver Sharpie on one side of the faux leather belt by the legendary Welterweight and Middleweight Champion Sugar Ray Leonard, with his inscription of "HOF 97" added to the other side. Leonard was the first boxer to earn more than $100 million in purses, won world titles in five weight divisions, and defeated future fellow International Boxing Hall of Fame inductees Wilfred Benítez, Thomas Hearns, Roberto Durán, and Marvin Hagler. Leonard was named "Boxer of the Decade" for the 1980s. The 44-inch black faux leather belt has an attractive burgundy trim with three gold-painted metal sculpture ovals, one 8 inches in diameter and smaller 4-inch versions on either side. The center sculpture features a crown at the top that is lined with faux gemstones. Underneath the crown are two boxing gloves with a WBA enamel badge at the center. The badge reads "World Boxing Association." The two smaller brass sculptures feature blank mirrored simulated-gold mirror plates as well as a repeat of the faux gemstone lined crown from the center sculpture, but roughly half the size. The belt features a grey faux fur interior lining with back Velcro closure. Mounted over the back Velcro closure is a fourth brass sculpture containing an enamel WBA badge in Spanish that reads "Association Mundial/ De Boxeo." The belt is largely as-issued and problem-free, seemingly in Near-Mint condition.
Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from PSA/DNA.