After knocking out John Mugabi in 1990 to earn his first WBC Light-Middleweight/Super-Welterweight title, "Terrible" Terry Norris stepped into the ring at the Alamodome in San Antonio on September 10, 1993 to face Canadian contender Joe Gatti (older brother of the late Arturo Gatti). Having defended his title nine times over a three-year span, Norris was primed for an unprecedented 10th straight title defense. Gatti didn't even make it out of the first round, succumbing via TKO at the 1:28 mark. "Terrible" T knocked him down twice to retain the title and keep the streak alive. Norris would lose the WBC Light-Middleweight title to Jamaican Simon Brown in his next fight three months later, but he would regain it in a rematch victory over Brown in July 1994.
Featured here are Norris' red leather Cleto Reyes fight-worn gloves from the Joe Gatti fight. Each '10-oz.' tagged glove is notated "10th Defense v/s Gatti 9/10/93". Norris has also signed and inscribed "WBC Champ" on each glove in black 9/10 marker. The original white laces are fully intact. They show plenty of use, yet remain in remarkable shape, perhaps preserved by the fact that the fight only lasted half of one round. There is some discoloration over the wrists from the tape job. They come problem-free from Norris' personal collection. Fantastic piece of boxing history capping one of the most impressive streaks in any division.
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.