Ubiquitous Chicago sports personality Ben Bentley owned this Rocky Marciano cornerman’s sweater. Bentley was a constant presence in the Chicago boxing scene during the 1950’s as a ring announcer for Pabst Blue Ribbon Bouts and Gillette Cavalcade of Sports, as well as announcing Sugar Ray Robinson’s fight against Rocky Castellani in 1955. Bentley also served as a publicist for numerous fighters, including Sonny Liston and Rocky Marciano. Bentley worked with Marciano in 1953 for his second bout with Jersey Joe Walcott. Marciano, who won the Ring and world heavyweight titles against Walcott the year prior, demolished Walcott with a stunning first-round knockout in their rematch at Chicago Stadium.

Bentley’s impact on the Chicago sports scene extended far beyond the boxing ring. Bentley served as the first public relations official for the Chicago Bulls, and was a longtime radio personality in the Chicago area. His influence on the Bulls was so great that the team’s mascot, Benny the Bull, was named in honor of the ebullient Bentley.

This offered cornerman’s jacket from the Marciano-Walcott fight is a toned off-white color. The jacket is a button-down, with circular white buttons. Two pockets are present on the lower chest. “Ben Bentley” is sewn on the left chest in black lettering over a white backing. “Rocky Marciano” and a paraph are sewn on the back of the jacket in the same fashion. Due to the age of this jacket, several small holes and repairs are present, however these minor imperfections do not diminish the outstanding quality and visual appeal of this relic from the legendary boxing career of Rocky Marciano. This jacket comes with a Letter of Provenance from Bentley’s daughter.

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