Connect with a long ago heavyweight boxing champion, with the winning of this James J. Corbett lot of (2), including a signed handwritten letter and an autobiography book. Referred to as the "Father of Modern Boxing", Corbett handed the great John L. Sullivan the only defeat of his career in 1892, to become the heavyweight champ.

Sadly "Gentleman Jim" succumbed to illness in 1933, at the age of sixty-six. About seven months prior to his demise, he penned the offered letter, which was a cordial response to a fan who had read his autobiography, titled "The Roar of the Crowd". The fan, who admitted to a previous low opinion of Corbett's skills, had sent Corbett a letter of apology for his long held beliefs, which were changed to a positive view after reading the life story Corbett had authored. 

Corbett's neatly scripted letter appears on a sheet of stationery headed with "Mrs. Jas. J. Corbett, Bayside, New York". Sized at 5-1/2 x 6-3/4", this antique correspondence reports in attractive state, and Corbett's fountain pen signature still shows (8-9") potency after all these years. The autobiography book is a Knickerbocker Press edition, with a copyright date of "1925". This book shows significant wear, including a 1" split at the bottom of the spine, but it is complete and intact. Also present is a well-worn carbon copy of the fan's letter. Auction LOA from JSA.