COULAN, JOHNNY & DAVE SHADE SIGNED PHOTO

Johnny Coulon began his professional career in 1905. In his own hand he claimed to be Bantamweight Champion Of The World from 1907 to 1914, although the record and history of the sport indicate otherwise. He was an accomplished fighter and did lose a title bout to Kid Williams in 1914. In addition to Williams his opponents included Pete Herman and Charles LeDoux. He retired in 1920 and went on to run a gym for amateurs, performed as a referee and did a specialty act in vaudeville. Dave Shade, born March 1, 1902 in Vallejo, CA., Shade turned pro in 1918 and engaged in dozens of four-rounders before garnering high praise following his knock down of welterweight king Jack Britton in 1921 (D 10). Overshadowed early in his career by the ring exploits of older brothers George and Billy, Dave eventually became the star of the family and of manager Leo P. Flynn’s stable. He met Mickey Walker twice in 1921, losing in the eighth round when he broke his arm and a 12-round no-decision. He drew with Britton in a 1922 welterweight title bid. In 1925, Shade, 153 pounds, shocked the boxing world when he stopped future light heavy king Jimmy Slattery in three. He met Walker for the welter title in 1925, losing a controversial 15-round verdict. Shade eventually moved up to middleweight and defeated top men such as Ace Hudkins (W 10), Ben Jeby (W 10) and Al Gainer (W10). Regarded as one of the cleverest boxers of his time, his low-crouching, bob-and-weave style frustrated foes who found him a difficult target. Shade retired in 1935 with a record of 124-23-46 (14 KOs), 26 ND, 1 NC. He died on June 23, 1983 at 81. Offered here is an original photo of Dave Shade and Johnny Coulon which has been signed by both.
This is an original theatrical photograph of both men performing Coulon's trick which defied anyone to lift him. Bold, clear image. Clean front and back. Not creased or torn. Minor edge and corner wear. Boldly signed by Shade in blue ink, "To My Good Friend Vince Dave Shade." Coulon has signed in green ink, "Jack Dempsey Training Camp. Crete, Ills. 1927 Dave Shade Trying To Lift 110 Pound (Sept. 18th 27Johnny Coulon Former Bantamweight Champion of The World. And Now: "The Man They Cannot Lift." To Vince Handley My Very Best Wishes Johnny Coulon Chicago Ills 1-24-59." 8" x 10."