This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/12/2013.
On December 11, 1985, world heavyweight champion Larry Holmes relinquished his WBC title after refusing to fight the #1 contender, Greg Page. The fight would have paid Holmes $2.55 million, half of Holmes’ asking price. Holmes instead chose a bigger payday by agreeing to fight Marvis Frazier, son of the legendary Joe Frazier. The WBC refused to sanction the fight against the unranked Frazier. A month after Holmes handily defeated Frazier with a first round knockout, the newly-formed IBF (International Boxing Federation) recognized Holmes as its’ first world heavyweight champion. This belt was presented to Larry Holmes after he was recognized as the first-ever IBF world heavyweight champion. The red and white leather belt measures approximately 48” x 10” and weighs 8 lbs. The belt sports a highly-detailed center plate adorned with a large eagle, two boxing gloves and the IBF logo enameled in red, white and blue in the center. The logo reads “IBF - World Champion - International Boxing Federation”. Approximately 130 stones adorn the perimeter of the center plate, the pattern alternates between synthetic diamonds and rubies, some of which have fallen from their housing. Adjacent to the left and right of the center plate are two blank 4.5” plates with the casted image of an eagle perched atop. A 5” x 3.5” plate on the verso of the belt features two boxers in relief as well as the IBF logo enameled in red, white and blue in the center. Above the logo is “Official” and below the logo is the facsimile signature of the founder and former President of the IBF, Robert W. Lee, in relief. The belt features a large Velcro fastener and faux white fur padding with black trim around the interior. While the belt does not match photos of the belt Holmes was presented in the ring, it does originate from Holmes’ personal collection. The belt is in NRMT condition and is accompanied by photographs of Holmes’ with the belt in his home.