This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 6/6/2013.
The Edward J. Neil award is a memorial plaque awarded annually by the Boxing Writers' Association since its inception in 1938. It is considered the equivalent of a boxing MVP award and is presented to the fighter of the year. Larry Holmes was the recipient of this award in 1978, the year in which he first won the WBC heavyweight title. The award measures approximately 15-1/2” x 10-1/2” and weighs 8.5 lbs. The award features a black wooden base with a casted metal bust of Edward J. Neil, laurelled leaves, boxing gloves and a boxing ring. The award reads “THE EDWARD J. NEIL MEMORIAL FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO BOXING IN 1978 PRESENTED BY BOXING WRITERS’ ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK TO LARRY HOLMES” in relief. We were told by our consignor that he took this award right off of the wall of Holmes’ bar. The trophy is in NRMT condition, there are two holes in the black wooden base where the award was originally held onto the wall with screws.