WELSH, FREDDIE SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH

Freddie Welsh (born Frederick Hall Thomas, 5 March 1886 – 29 July 1927) was a Welsh World lightweight boxing champion. Born in Pontypridd, Wales, he was nicknamed the "Welsh Wizard". Brought up in a tough mining community, Welsh left a working-class background to make a name for himself in America. He turned a professional boxer in Philadelphia in 1905, and spent the best part of his career fighting in the United States. Welsh spent much of his career chasing the title for World Championship, held in turn by Battling Nelson, Ad Wolgast and Willie Ritchie, failing through a series of events to meet each until a successful encounter with Ritchie in July 1914, when he finally became World's Lightweight Champion. Welsh held the title until 1917 when he lost to Benny Leonard, though he continued to fight sparingly until 1922. A keen follower of Bernarr Macfadden’s physical culture, Welsh believed in exercise and healthy living and was a non-smoker and a vegetarian. In the years following the end of his career, bad business choices cost him his fortune, and after numerous health problems he died in poverty in 1927. Offered here is an original photograph of Freddie Welsh which he has boldly signed and inscribed.
This is an original, first generation photograph of Freddie Welsh in full fight pose. Boldly signed and inscribed in fountain pen, "To my friend Al Friend With very good wish From Freddie Welsh, Pontyfridd Lightweight champion of the World March 11..." Bold, clear image. Edge wear and border creases, one which affects the lower portion of the inscription and signature. Raised stamp at lower left. 7" x 10 1/4."