"Terrible" Terry Norris is a 4-time World Champion in the Light-Middleweight division. Featured here is the official IBF Light-Middleweight title belt he won on December 16, 1995 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia over then title-holder Paul Vaden. Norris came into the fight as the WBC Light-Middleweight Champion after beating Luis Santana for the title and defending it vs. David Gonzalez - both via TKO - just a few months earlier. This one went the distance, but Norris controlled the fight from the start and earned a 12-round unanimous decision over his hated rival (both trained out of San Diego, CA). Norris defended the IBF Light-Middleweight title four times before vacating his reign in March of 1997. It was the last officially recognized title that "Terrible" Terry won during his Hall of Fame career.
The International Boxing Federation, founded in 1983, is one of the four major boxing organizations recognized by the International Boxing Hall of Fame. The red leather belt features the trademark IBF logo within a multidimensional oval centerpiece (9.5" across), with a large eagle figure overshadowing a pair of boxing gloves and two reflective plates (4.5" diameter) with miniature eagles on either side. The gold-colored centerpiece is lined with faux red and crystal colored gemstones in the grooves of the metal. There are some missing gemstones on the right side and the eagle is somewhat loose. Norris has added his autograph and "IBF" inscription in bold 10/10 black marker to the left side of the red leather strap next to a beautiful gold-colored rectangular (3.5" x 5") IBF-branded metal buckle engraved with IBF founder "Robert W. Lee". The right side of the strap features a Velcro attachment. The backing of the belt is lined with sheepskin padding and features a Velcro attachment. The belt measures 50" in length and weighs in at a 8.8 lbs. Coming directly from "Terrible" Terry's personal collection, it certainly shows some wear and use, with some signs of rusting on the centerpiece, but overall remains in VG-EX condition.
Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.
Includes a Letter of Authenticity from "Terrible" Terry Norris.
“Terrible Terry” Norris certainly lived up to his nickname as a boxer, but outside the ring is another story. A few years ago, he and his wife, Tanya, started the Final Fight Foundation whose “mission is to serve as a catalyst for the under-served athletes in health and retirement assistance, during and after their careers.” Norris now suffers from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), Parkinsonism, and Dementia brought on by years in the ring. A portion of the proceeds from his collection will go towards his foundation.