VALDES, NINO & NAT FLEISCHER WIRE PHOTO (1954)

Niño Valdés (born Geraldo Ramos Ponciano Valdez) (December 5, 1924 - June 3, 2001) was the Cuban heavyweight boxing champion in the 1940s and 1950s. He was a top contender for the heavyweight title during this time, although he never received a shot due to his mixed results in the ring. After a string of four losses to notable fighters such as Harold Johnson, Archie Moore, and Bob Baker in 1952 and 1953, he went undefeated in an impressive run of 11 consecutive victories which saw him defeat Ezzard Charles and Tommy "Hurricane" Jackson. However, the streak came to an end when he lost a rematch to Moore by a fifteen-round unanimous decision on May 2, 1955. He lost another fight to Bob Satterfield three months later. After beating former title contender Don Cockell, he lost a ten round unanimous decision to Bob Baker on December 7, 1955, costing him a potential title bout against Rocky Marciano. He continued boxing, losing to heavyweight contenders Zora Folley, Eddie Machen, and Sonny Liston. After defeating contender Brian London in December 1959, Valdez retired due to eye problems. After retirement, he worked as a security guard and a bouncer. Offered here is an original wire photo dated January 14, 1954 depicting Nino Valdes receiving an award from the editor of Ring Magazine Nat Fleischer for the fighter who made the most progress of the year.
This is an original International news Photos wire photo with their stamp and caption on the back. Bold, clear image. Crease in lower right corner. Clean front and back. No tears. 7" x 9."