Legendary boxing promoter who led boxing into the era of million-dollar gates, huge crowds, and fights at Madison Square Garden. Rickard believed in getting top attractions, publicizing them, and charging high prices for the tickets. Rickard’s famous Dempsey-Carpentier bout realized boxing’s first million dollar gate: more than 80,000 fans paid a record $1,789,238. Rickard developed Madison Square Garden into a top boxing venue. With help from Nat Fleischer and others in site selection and financing, Rickard built a new Madison Square Garden at 49th Street and Eighth Avenue, which became known as “The House That Tex Built.” Four handwritten financial receipts, dated between 1917 and 1919, all signed “G. L. Rickard.” Two receipts state the reception of $5000 from J. L. Taylor, one names ownership of shares of Northern Texas Oil, and one names ownership of shares for the Frigorifico San Salvador Company. In fine condition, with folds to three of the receipts and a bit of light toning. Auction LOA Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
