Twentieth Century Sporting Club Inc. business check, 8.5 x 3.25, filled out in another hand and signed by Sol Strauss, payable to Joe Louis for $6,181.10, stamp-dated December 6, 1947. The left column notes "Purse," and then various deductions, including a sizable advance which resulted in a final payment of just over $6,000 from his $75,000 purse. Encapsulated in a plastic PSA/DNA authentication holder. In very good condition, with toning and dampstaining, heavier to left side of check and affecting the upper portion of Louis’s signature, and expected cancellation holes. Louis faced Jersey Joe Walcott for the title on December 5, 1947, in Madison Square Garden. Despite being knocked down twice by the underdog Walcott, Louis emerged with a split decision victory after 15 rounds. Exorbitant payments to handlers and a rash of bad business decisions placed Louis in dire financial straits, despite his profitable performances. RR Auction COA.
