"Gentleman Jim" Corbett vs. Charles "Kid" McCoy August 30, 1900 Championship Fight PSA 1 (MK) Ticket Stub - Lone Graded

• Sold For: $119
• Year: 1900
• Auction: 2014 April
• Lot #: 919
• Auction Category: Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

Boxing and theatre have long been linked, if only in theory regarding “fixed” matches and the sport’s alleged ties with the underworld. In the matter of former champions “Gentleman Jim” Corbett and Charles “Kid” McCoy, links to performing were quite real, as both appeared in stage and film productions as the entertainment industry boomed. And though Corbett and McCoy reigned in separate weight classes, their appearance as ring adversaries was a match made in box office heaven. Encapsulated and Graded PR 1 (MK) by PSA, this ticket stub was issued on August 30, 1900 at Manhattan’s Madison Square Garden for the much anticipated bout between Corbett and McCoy, which resulted in a fifth-round knockout (Corbett felling McCoy) that was the subject of widespread speculation and viewed as “arranged.” Regardless of the supposed shenanigans on the canvas, this “First Balcony” voucher is the lone graded specimen and features printed seating/event details and an uneven admission tear. With their respective careers on the decline, this fight brought lucrative gate receipts. Additionally, there was little question of McCoy’s ability to survive the knockout. This was a man, after all, who had endured 10 marriages.