41. Equipment worn by Leonard Doroftei in the famous match with Paul Spadafora, May 17, 2003, framed

The kit consisting of shorts and tank top was worn by the Romanian boxer Leonard Doroftei on May 17, 2003 (May 18, 6:00 AM in Romania), during his match against Paul Spadafora. The boxing match, which took place at the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, counted for the unification of the WBA and IBF titles, in the lightweight category. The match, which lasted 12 rounds, ended in a draw according to the three judges' decision. Many observers felt that Leonard Doroftei should have comfortably won points. After the match, Doroftei stated that the outcome of the match with Spadafora was the greatest injustice of his entire sporting career. As a result of this matchup, Leonard Doroftei missed the chance to hold the IBF belt as well, but he kept the WBA one. Although the WBA Executive Committee had agreed to a rematch with Spadafora, the match never took place. In July 2025, Doroftei decided to donate to the Romanian Red Cross the kit worn in this match of extreme importance to him. "That's how my soul felt at that moment because it's not just a kit, it's a kit that gave me the most beautiful match a Romanian boxer has ever managed to offer. It was a unification match of two belts, between two world champions, on a night where the Romanian lion was worth more than the American dollar. It ended in a draw, but that made me feel proud," Leonard Doroftei stated for the Romanian Red Cross.

Dimensions

custom 157 x 79 cm (Frame)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For clarifications regarding the bidding procedure, hammer price costs, guarantee, payment, and collection terms for the winning lot, we recommend carefully reading/re-reading the Bidding Regulations.

For additional information regarding the lot and the auction, please contact the Art Consultants Department.