KNIGHT, JOE SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH

Joe Knight, also known as Cairo Calamity (January 15, 1909 – July 1, 1976) was an American boxer born in Cairo, GA. Knight turned pro in 1928 and in 1933, the National Boxing Association awarded Knight the World Light Heavyweight title. Knight lost the NBA World Light Heavyweight title to contender Bob Godwin on March 1, 1933 in a ten round points decision at Legion Arena in West Palm Beach, Florida. Godwin employed excellent blocking and though he took many hard licks in the lengthy bout, he was the aggressor throughout and won the infighting, particularly after Knight tired by mid-bout. Godwin took two of the first five rounds, with three even. Drawing on remarkable stamina, the 21-year old Godwin won the next four rounds, leaving the tenth even. Godwin took a beating in the bout, with both eyes badly swollen by the end. It was a primitive match requiring limited boxing skill or ring generalship. Godwin won a total of three of the five meetings between him and Knight. In the fall of 1934, the National Boxing Association vacated Maxie Rosenbloom's light heavyweight title. The commissions for North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida named Joe Knight as World Champion. He was featured on the cover of the September 1934 The Ring magazine. In retirement, Knight promoted fights in Georgia and Florida. He died in July 1976 in Dekalb, Georgia. Offered here is an original promotional photo of Joe Knight which he has signed and inscribed. From the collection of sports writer Charles Lesemann.
This is an original promotional photo. Bold, clear image. Clean front and back. Signed in ink, "To Charles Lesemann With best wishes Joe Knight." Small crease in lower right corner. Minor edge wear. 8" x 10." Exceptionally rare signed photo.