SMITH, MYSTERIOUS BILLY LARGE FORMAT ANTIQUE PHOTO

HISTORY: Mysterious Billy Smith was a Canadian boxer. He turned pro in 1890, and in his ninth fight knocked out Danny Needham to win the welterweight championship in 1892. He held on to it until Tommy Ryan beat him on points in 1894. He won back the vacant title in 1898 by beating Matty Matthews, and lost it again in 1900 to Rube Ferns. Smith bowed out in 1915 when stopped by Jack Root. Smith was notorious for having a very roughhouse fighting style in the ring and was disqualified 13 times, more than any other boxer in history. Smith died on October 14, 1937 in Portland, Oregon, USA. He was posthumously inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2009. Offered here is a very rare original, large format, mounted photograph of Mysterious Billy Smith as he appeared at the height of his career.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is a first generation, large format photograph with the stamp of the photographer, D.Altman and the copyright date 1897 in the photo. Photographer name also on mount with location, New York. No creases or tears. Minor edge and corner wear to mount. Some toning on mount. Photo has some minor fading. Rare photograph, especially in this size. 12" x 16" photo on mount of 18" x 21 1/2."