1949-56 Exhibit Supply Co., Danny Nardico.

In 1942, at age 17, Danny Nardico persuaded his mother to let him join the United States Marine Corps because he wanted to fight for his country. The Marines sent him to California for basic and advanced training. Soon after, he was sent to the South Pacific with the First Marine Division.

At age 18, he fought in the Battle of Okinawa and suffered shrapnel wounds in his legs and back while leading a rifle squad.

He was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Silver Star for his bravery in the Battle of Okinawa and later for serving in the U.S. Marines during the Korean War.

Nardico turned professional boxer in 1949 and was later quoted as saying, “After World War II, everything in life is a cakewalk.” He established himself as a top world-rated light-heavyweight contender, and from June 1951 to February 1955, he was rated as high as number three in the world by Ring magazine.
He is the only fighter to drop Jake LaMotta "The Raging Bull".

Enjoy this fight song and share boxing history with the Mantel Community by joining Mantel's Boxing Group.⭐
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26wEWSUUsUc
https://www.onmantel.com/group/8dec1691-bd0f-4aef-b536-c9279a03f502

1920 Exhibits, Benny Leonard.
Benny Leonard is widely regarded as one of the greatest lightweight boxers in history.
He is known for his unmatched ring intelligence, lightning-fast footwork, and pinpoint punching accuracy. Born "Benjamin Leiner" in New York’s Lower East Side, he rose from poverty to become the dominant lightweight champion of the 1910s and 1920s.
He elevated boxing strategy—proving that brains could match brawn in the ring.
He also served as a cultural icon for Jewish Americans during a time of widespread prejudice. Leonard is enshrined in the International Boxing Hall of Fame as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

2011 Zeenut Game Strip Card - Benny Lynch, Bill Richmond, Billy Conn.
This is a rare piece because it features Bill Richmond, a boxing trailblazer.
Bill Richmond was a pioneering Black boxer born in 1763 in Staten Island, New York, who rose to prominence in England during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Enslaved as a youth and later freed, Richmond moved to England where he began boxing in his forties—a remarkably late age for a fighter. Despite this, he became one of the most skilled and respected bare-knuckle boxers of his era.
Today, Bill Richmond is recognized as one of the first internationally known Black sports figures and a founding figure in the early development of modern boxing.

Collect what you love.❤
If you love sports history, consider joining Mantel's Boxing Group using the link below.
https://www.onmantel.com/group/8dec1691-bd0f-4aef-b536-c9279a03f502

1921 Exhibits, Tommy Burns. 🍁
Tommy Burns, the first and only Canadian-born world heavyweight boxing champion, held the title from 1906 to 1908 and was notable for his speed, footwork, and willingness to defend his crown globally. He made history by fighting around the world—including in England, Ireland, France, and Australia—bringing the title international recognition. His legacy was sealed not just by his skill, but by his groundbreaking 1908 title defense against Jack Johnson, making him the first white champion to give a Black contender a shot at the heavyweight crown.

If you like bits of sports history, like this short post about Tommy Burns, please consider joining Mantel's Boxing Group - The Sweet Science.🙏
https://www.onmantel.com/group/8dec1691-bd0f-4aef-b536-c9279a03f502

The Sweet Science 🥊 Boxing Group has just been sanctioned by Mantel ⭐ to accept members who appreciate boxing history and boxing collectibles.
Become a founding member of a group this group by visiting the link below and clicking the JOIN button. It's so easy, even a Caveman could do it.
https://www.onmantel.com/group/8dec1691-bd0f-4aef-b536-c9279a03f502