GAVILAN, KID VINTAGE SIGNED STUDO PHOTO (SIGNED IN 1953)

Gerardo González (January 6, 1926 - February 13, 2003), better known in the boxing world as Kid Gavilan, was a former world welterweight champion from Cuba. He was a native of the city of Camagüey. In 1951, after beating Tommy Ciarlo twice, once in Caracas, Venezuela, and Hairston once again, he finally became a world champion when he beat Johnny Bratton for the world Welterweight title by a decision in 15 on May 18. He defended that title for the first time against Graham, winning by a decision, and promptly made four non title bouts before the end of the year, including another win over Janiro and a draw in ten with Bratton. In 1952, he defended the title with success against Bobby Dykes, Gil Turner, and with Graham in a third encounter between the two. All those fights were won by decision in 15. He also had five non title bouts, including three that were a part of an Argentinian tour. His third fight with Graham was his first world title defense in Havana and his fight with Dykes marked the first time that a black man and a white man had a boxing fight in then-segregated Miami, Florida. In 1953, Gavilan retained the title by a knockout in ten against Chuck Davey, by a decision in 15 against Carmen Basilio and by a decision in 15 against Bratton. He had seven non title bouts, losing to Danny Womber, but beating Ralph Tiger Jones. In 1954, Gavilan went up in weight. After two more points wins, he challenged world Middleweight champion Bobo Olson for the world title, but lost a decision in 15. Then, he went down in weight, and lost his world Welterweight championship, by a decision in 15 to Johnny Saxton. Offered here is an original studio portrait of Kid Gavilan by the notable Salas Studio of New York which Gavilan has boldly signed and dated 6/3/53. Rare vintage signed photograph as world champion.
This is an original, first generation studio photograph. Stamped on back by photographer, Salas of New York. Bold, clear image. Boldly signed in ink, "To the Garcias My best wishes Kid Gavilan Champ 6/3/53." Clean front and back. Crease in upper right corner. Minor corner wear. Tiny closed tear on right edge with no paper loss. 8" x 10." Rare, signed as world champion.