SAXTON, JOHNNY SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH

Johnny Saxton (July 4, 1930 - October 4, 2008) was an American professional boxer in the welterweight (147lb) division. He was born in Newark, New Jersey, learned to box in a Brooklyn orphanage and had an amateur career winning 31 of 33 fights, twice becoming World Welterweight Champion. Saxton turned professional in 1949 and ran up forty wins without a defeat before losing to Gil Turner in 1953. His win over Joey Giardello and Johnny Bratton helped propel him to fight with Kid Gavilan in 1954 for the world welterweight championship. He beat Gavilan via a fifteen-round decision to take the title. He lost the title the following year via technical knockout against Tony DeMarco. In 1956 he won the title again with an upset win over Carmen Basilio, but lost the title in a rematch with Basilio later in the year. He retired in 1958. Saxton was managed by Frank "Blinky" Palermo, a member of the Philadelphia crime family. Palermo was imprisoned in 1961 for conspiracy and extortion for the covert ownership of prizefighters. Saxton's career was often marred by rumors of shady dealings. His two biggest wins, against Gavilan and Basilio, were both controversial and unpopular with many in the boxing world. His career Record: Won 55 (KOs 21) Lost 9 Draw 2. Offered here is a signed photograph of Johnny Saxton. From a signing session with Jim Stinson.
This a black and white, 8" x 10" photograph. Boldly signed in thin blue sharpie in lower left corner. Signed on October 24, 1992 in a signing session with Jim Stinson. No creases or tears. Bold, clear image. Clean.