After knocking out John Mugabi three months earlier to earn his first WBC Light-Middleweight/Super-Welterweight title, "Terrible" Terry Norris traveled to Annecy, France for a July 13, 1990 title defense vs. French contender Rene Jacquot. Norris knocked Jacquot to the canvas in each of the first two rounds, and again in the 11th. Somehow the fight went the distance, but it was Norris who prevailed with a 12-round unanimous decision. Norris' victory set up a title showdown against Sugar Ray Leonard in February 1991, which Norris would also win to retain his WBC crown.
Featured here are Norris' fight-worn gloves from the Rene Jacquot fight - Norris' first WBC title defense in a run that would eventually hit 10 in a row! These '10-oz.' tagged Cleto Reyes red leather beauties are battered - understandable from a fight that went the full 12 rounds. 'R.M.O.' is stamped on the outside and the laces are no longer present. The left glove is notated "Norris 1st Defense vs. Jacquot 7/13/90 WBC Champ" in black, while the right glove is notated "WBC 1st Defense in France 7/13/90 12 rd Unanimous Decision for 'Terrible' T". More recently, Norris has signed and inscribed "WBC IBF Champ" in perfect 10 black marker. The horsehair used to pad the knuckles and fingers has begun to seep through the leather, a testament to the punishment Norris put on Jacquot's chin during the fight. Other than that, the gloves have held up quite well and come largely problem-free from Terry Norris' personal collection.
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.