Boxing

Collector Les Wolff talks about his experience with many boxers!


Via Ken Hissner: Les Wolff is a trusted name in the hobby, having established relationships with many of the biggest names in sports over the years such as Mickey Mantle and Muhammad Ali.

A pioneer of the hobby, Les was the first to conduct sports auctions by phone and fax, and in person (before the internet became widespread). His company name is Sports Auctions of New York.

That was in the late 1980s, and unlike many other dealers who have come and gone since then, he’s still here, providing exceptional service.

He revolutionized the business, with auctions being the first. He’s one of the country’s main suppliers to card companies for vintage and rare signatures. If you want to sell something, always think of Les first. Every signature Les sold comes with a lifetime warranty.

Wolff has Ali Golden Gloves tix from March 25, 1959, very rare. He has Ali, and Frazier has Ron Lewis signed lithographs with JSA certification.

Les met Ali while attending Jamaica High School. He dropped out of school after Ali lost to Joe Frazier and got his autograph. Years later, he sells the slipper that Joe Frazier wore to defeat Ali in this fight with ironclad origins.

KEN HISSNER: What is your opinion over the years about all the different athletes you’ve come across?

LES WOLFF: Most boxers are the most beautiful athletes you will ever meet.

KEN HISSNER: Who of the greatest have you met?

LES WOLFF: I met Joe Louis at the Hotel Commodore. He’s such a nice guy and it’s fun to sign autographs and talk about boxing.

KEN HISSNER: What are the most expensive items you have?

LES WOLFF: The most expensive boxing autograph I have for sale right now is a four-page typed letter signed by Robert Fitzsimmons mentioning JSA-certified Jim Corbett. Fitzsimmons is a very rare signature heavyweight champion.

KEN HISSNER: Who is the most interesting person you have met?

LES WOLFF: When you meet and talk to the King of Boxing, Mr. Bob Arum, you know that you are meeting a man of class. Mr. Arum knows more about boxing than most boxers know. I really enjoyed Mr. Arum’s stories.

I am honored to say that Mr. Arum is friends with his right-hand man, Lee Samuels. My good friend and boxer Lou DiBella is one of my best friends in the boxing world. I want everyone involved in boxing to treat boxers like Lou with class and dignity. Lou really cares about his fighters and everyone he knows.

KEN HISSNER: Have you ever met Alexis Arguello?

LES WOLFF: Yes, I met Alexis Arguello and Arturo Gatti, along with Mickey Ward and countless others. These great warriors will always sign autographs and reminisce about their battles.

KEN HISSNER: Do you have any other favorites?

LES WOLFF: One of my other favorite fighters is Marvelous Marvin Hagler. He will always take the time to sign and talk boxing with you — a true champion as a fighter and as a person.

KEN HISSNER: What about other favorite sports you’ve come across?

LES WOLFF: My other favorite sport, along with my idol, is Muhammad Ali, a friend of mine. I even did a TNT gig with him in 1996, showing my Ali collection to him and the world.

That is an honor. Mickey Mantle was an extremely nice guy to me when I met him. I can still remember crying when we both died. My childhood memories of these great things are etched in my mind. My first soccer idol was Joe Namath. I used to be a huge Giant fan until I met Joe. Now when I see him, I ask, will the Jets ever win the Super Bowl again?

KEN HISSNER: What do you think when you meet most of the boxers?

LES WOLFF: I have always had the honor of meeting great boxers and wish they would one day have a pension to help them.

KEN HISSNER: This was a very interesting interview, and I want to thank you for accepting it.

LES WOLFF: Thank you, Ken. It was an amazing thing to have one of the greatest boxing writers in the world interview me, Les Wolff. I am a collector who had to become a dealer to be able to cover my addiction. Check out my website and remember (www.leswolffsportslic.com) to watch my videos on how to collect, invest, protect and preserve your collection.



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