Continue with the non major sports… here are the boxing “rookies” I had. before I sold the collection a few years ago.
1887 John Sullivan – Allen & Ginter
The bare-knuckle era’s biggest star, Sullivan was the first recognized heavyweight champion of gloved boxing. His colorful 1887 Allen & Ginter card is not only a key piece of boxing history but one of the earliest sports cards ever produced.
1909 Jack Johnson – Ogdens
Jack Johnson broke racial barriers as the first Black heavyweight champion. His 1909 Ogdens card is a striking pre-war tobacco issue from the UK, offering an iconic image of this trailblazing legend.
1922 Jack Dempsey – Boys Magazine
“The Manassa Mauler” was a cultural icon of the roaring ’20s. His 1922 Boys Magazine card captures Dempsey at the peak of his ferocity, making it a must-have early issue of one of boxing’s most feared champions.
1935 (1942) Joe Louis – United Tobacco
Before he was the “Brown Bomber,” Louis was a rising star featured in this South African tobacco release. A truly rare international card, it predates his dominance of the heavyweight division.
1948 Sugar Ray Robinson – Leaf
Regarded by many as the greatest pound-for-pound fighter of all time, Sugar Ray’s 1948 Leaf card is his most iconic issue and a post-war cardboard classic with bold colors and a sharp design.
1951 Rocky Marciano – Topps Ringside
The only heavyweight champion to retire undefeated, Marciano is immortalized in this gritty 1951 Topps Ringside card—an essential piece of any serious boxing card collection.
1965 Muhammad Ali – Lampo
While Ali has earlier oversized and hand-cut cards, this 1965 Italian Lampo sticker is a standout early choice. It captures the charisma and rising greatness of “The Greatest” .
1964 Joe Frazier – Bobbie Bubble Gum Tokio
A rare release, this Frazier rookie is a hidden gem. Long before his legendary battles with Ali, “Smokin’ Joe” was making waves internationally—and this card reflects that global recognition.
1966 Sonny Liston – Panini Campioni Dello Sport
Liston’s rookie comes from an elegant Italian sports sticker series. A fierce and feared puncher, his card is a perfect representation of his presence in the ring.
1973 Roberto Duran – Panini Campioni Dello Sport
“El Cholo” made his debut in this sleek Panini sticker issue. Before his “No Más” moment, Duran was a ferocious lightweight terror, and this card captures that early fire.
1973 George Foreman – Panini Campioni Dello Sport
This early Panini card predates Foreman’s title reign and later comeback. A youthful, raw version of “Big George,” it’s a snapshot of his pre-dominant years.
1981 Sugar Ray Leonard – Panini Sport Superstars
Leonard’s dynamic style and Olympic pedigree are on display in this flashy early ’80s European sticker, making it a standout rookie for one of the sport’s most charismatic champions.
1979 Rocky – Rocky II Topps
While fictional, Rocky Balboa’s inclusion in this Topps movie set cements his cultural impact. The “Rocky II” card is a fan favorite that blurs the lines between cinema and boxing lore.
1986 Mike Tyson – Panini Supersport Italian
Iron Mike’s raw power and intimidation factor were unmatched, and his earliest card in this Italian multi-sport set is as iconic as the man himself. A cornerstone of 1980s boxing cardboard.
1986 Evander Holyfield – Browns Boxing
Before he was “The Real Deal,” Holyfield was a lean, determined up-and-comer. This Brown’s Boxing card marks the start of one of the grittiest and most decorated careers in heavyweight history.
1991 Roy Jones Jr. – Kayo
Jones brought flair, speed, and skill into the ring like no one else. His 1991 Kayo card captures the young phenom before he became a pound-for-pound legend in multiple weight classes.
1997 Floyd Mayweather Jr. – Brown’s Boxing
Before “Money” became a marketing machine, he was a sharp, focused technician with Olympic pedigree. His Brown’s Boxing rookie is the earliest glimpse at a career that ended with an undefeated record.
1999 Manny Pacquiao – Word Boxing
Hailing from the Philippines, this Word Boxing card is the first cardboard appearance of a future eight-division world champion. A true global superstar with humble beginnings.
