DIXIE KID, BOB SCANLON, GEORGE GUNTHER & JIM JOHNSON REAL PHOTO POSTCARD

This is an early 20th century real photo postcard done by English photographer Henry Flett picturing early 20th century black fighters Dixie Kid, Bob Scanlon, George Gunther and Jim Johnson against the backdrop of a boxing glove. Dixie Kid was a welterweight who often fought heavier men. He was clever and fast with quick reflexes -- a counter-puncher deluxe. Kid fought with his hands at his sides and his chin stuck out, inviting attack. His favorite punches were a right uppercut followed by a left hook to the head. Nat Fleischer ranked the Kid as the # 5 All-Time Welterweight; Kid was elected to the Ring Boxing Hall of Fame in 1975. Bob Scanlon was born in Mobile, Alabama in 1886. He began his professional boxing career as a light heavyweight in 1904. He moved to Paris, France in 1907 and during World War I he was wounded while fighting for the French Foreign Legion. In his career he fought some notable fighters including Jeff Smith, Marcel Nilles and Battling Jim Johnson. He retired in 1923 compiling a career mark of 55-49-3. George Gunther (the "Australian Kangaroo")was born March 24 1881; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia and died August 9 1959; Newark, New Jersey. His height was 5-7 1/4 (Some sources report 5-7 1/2) and his weight 145-170 lbs. Gunther possessed fast hands and fast feet; He was quick and shifty and punched well; If one goes by the knockouts he scored in the unconfirmed bouts he had in Australia and those bouts prior to 1904, it is clear that he must have been a very stiff puncher; Gunther never hesitated to get into the ring with anyone. George defeated the following quality men during his career - Billy Hill, Dave Holly, Larry Temple, Andy Watson, Fred Cooley, "Cyclone" Bill Warren, Charlie Knock, Harry Lewis, Joseph "Jewey" Smith, Matthew "P.O." Curran, Gaston Pigot and Blink McCloskey. "Battling" Jim Johnson (September 2, 1887 – November 6, 1918) was an American boxer who fought as a heavyweight from 1908 to 1918. He had little success and lost with great frequency to top boxers such as Sam Langford, Joe Jeanette, Sam McVey, Harry Wills and Kid Norfolk. In spite of this (or because of it), Jack Johnson, the first black world heavyweight champion, gave him a title shot. When they fought in Paris in August 1913, it was the first time that two black boxers had fought for the world heavyweight title. Battling Jim was the only black fighter Johnson faced during his reign as heavyweight champ from 1908 to 1915.
This is an original, unused, real photo postcard. Bold, clear images. Clean front and back. Some writing in pencil on reverse. Several small creases and a closed tear with no paper loss on lower left corner with tape repair on back. Corner wear. 3 3/8" x 5 1/4." Rare, the only example we have seen.