VNA Sports Auction #2
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/11/2025
The 1948 Leaf Knock-Out boxing card set is a landmark release in sports card history, notable for its vibrant design and inclusion of legendary fighters. Comprising 50 skip-numbered cards measuring approximately 2-3/8" by 2-7/8", the set features iconic boxers such as Joe Louis (#48), Jack Dempsey (#1), Sugar Ray Robinson (#64), and Jack Johnson (#17) . Each card showcases a colorized image of the boxer against a bold red or blue background, with their name displayed in a contrasting block at the bottom. Cards can be found with both white or grey card stock backs.
A particularly elusive card in the set is the Rocky Graziano (#50), often referred to as the "Honus Wagner" of boxing cards due to its rarity and high value; a PSA EX 5 example sold for over $41,000 in 2011 . Collectors could obtain a specially designed album by sending five wrappers and 25 cents to Leaf, adding an interactive element to the collecting experience . The set's distinctive design and the prominence of its featured athletes make it a prized collection for boxing enthusiasts and vintage card collectors alike.
This complete set of 1948 Leaf Knock out Boxing cards are in VG to EXMT condition, averaging EX to EX+. The cards retain vibrant coloring on the front and clean backs. The set is predominantly gray backed cards with the following white-backed subjects: #35 Armstrong, #42 Cerdan, #51 Willie Pep, #71 Freddy Steele, #77 Canzoneri and #93 Max Baer. Just a beautiful turnkey set.
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