SCHAAF, ERNIE WIRE PHOTO (1931)

HISTORY: Ernie Schaaf (September 27, 1908 in Elizabeth, NJ – February 14, 1933) was a professional boxer. Schaaf is noted for boxing then-future heavyweight champion of the world Max Baer twice, the first time soundly beating Baer, and the second losing on decision. During the second fight with Baer, Schaaf was knocked senseless two seconds before the final bell, which saved him from an official knockout. It took several minutes for him to be revived. Schaaf complained of headaches thereafter, and some observers believe that he suffered brain damage. Six months later, Schaaf, again entering the ring with a future world champion, fought Primo Carnera, and suffered a knockout loss in the 13th round of 15. He fell into a coma, and was rushed to the hospital to undergo surgery. He died on Valentines Day. In his career he fought Tommy Loughran, and Young Stribling as well as Baer and Carnera. Schaaf has an official record of 55–13–2 with 1 no contest and 4 no decisions, but the no-decision bouts are due to the scoring practices of the era. Newspaper reports indicate that he won 3 of those, and lost the other 1, giving him a final record of 58–14–2 with 1 no contest. Presented here is an original wire photograph of Ernie Schaaf taken on November 16, 1931 in Boston depicting Schaaf posing for artist Joseph "Coss" Coswell.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original International News Photos wire photo with their stamp and caption on the back. Bold, clear image. Clean front and back. Not creased or torn. Slightly wavy. 6" x 8."