BASSEY, HOGAN "KID" SIGNED PHOTO

Hogan "Kid" Bassey (June 3, 1932 – January 26, 1998) was Nigeria's first world boxing champion. He was born Okun Asuguo Bassey on the banks of the Cross River in Creek Town, Calabar, Nigeria.[1] He took the name Hogan "Kid" Bassey when he turned professional as a boxer, he was managed by George Biddles, and trained by George Biddles, and Jimmy August. After 14 contests in Nigeria, Bassey went to Liverpool, England in 1952. After winning the Empire featherweight championship, he won the world crown by defeating French Algerian Cherif Hamia in Paris in 1957. He lost the title to U.S. fighter Davey Moore on March 18, 1959. Other opponents include Billy "Spider" Kelly, Percy Lewis, Tommy Profitt, Sammy McCarthy, Ricardo Moreno, and Willie Pep. In 1959 he was awarded the MBE following his world title win and went on to become a coach in Nigeria who awarded him the country's highest honour in 1973. He died on January 26, 1998 at his home in Apapa, Lagos. Offered here is a scarce promotional photo of Bassey which he has signed. From the collection of former boxer Vince Handley.
This is a promotional photo of Bassey in fight pose as he looked as world featherweight champion. Signed in ink, "With best Wishes Hogan Bassey Nigeria 1951." Bold, clear image. Clean. Not torn. 3 5/8" x 5 1/2."