GANS-NELSON LARGE FORMAT PHOTO COLLAGE (1906)

HISTORY: The Joe Gans-Battling Nelson fight in Goldfield, Nevada on September 3, 1906 rates as one of the greatest lightweight championship bouts ever contested. For 42 hard fought rounds the two lightweights engaged in a titanic struggle, which is the longest gloved championship match recorded under Marquis of Queensbury rules. The San Francisco Chronicle reported on Sep 4, "Dancing lightly in and away, Gans hit Nelson when and where he pleased" and described Gans as "a marvel of speed and science." Gans scored two knockdowns and had his opponent out on his feet on two other occasions when the granite chinned Nelson was saved by the bell. In today’s fight game the fight would have been stopped long before the 42nd round when Bat purposely fouled out. Nelson absorbed a frightful beating, his left eye was closed and he was bleeding from his ears, mouth, and nose, as well as cuts on his face. Frankie Neil, a former bantamweight champion and a ringside eyewitness, said, “It looks as though Nelson, who was a very badly beaten man, took an easy way to quit." (Chronicle Sep 4, 1906). Offered here is an incredible original first generation photo collage showing action photographs of the fight.

FULL DESCRIPTION: These original photographs are mounted on black cardboard. Each photograph measures 7" x 9." The photo in the lower right corner depicting the end of the fight is somewhat faded, but still discernible. There are three clipped corners. Several photos have some light spotting. Generally clean. The black poster board has gold lettering which reads as follows: NELSON-GANS-FINISHED CONTEST-GOLDFIELD, NEV. SEP. 3rd '06 -for the Lightweight Championship of the World, under the auspices of the Goldfield Athletic Club. Nelson guaranteed $20,000. win lose or draw Nelson$2,500. bonus & $500. for training expenses. Gans guaranteed $10,000. Gans $1,000. bonus & training expenses. Total Gate Receipts, largest in the world $69,715. To Johnson & Hayden Compliments of Battling Nelson. Gans claimed foul in 42nd round and was given decision." In excellent condition with minor edge and corner wear. Overall 30" x 39." Exceptionally rare and most likely unique.