TENDLER, LEW RESTAURANT MATCHBOOK

HISTORY: Lew Tendler is called the greatest southpaw (left-hander) in ring history by The Ring magazines editor-publisher Nat Fleischer. In 1961, Tendler became the sixteenth prize-fighter elected to the Boxing Hall of Fame. Yet, as great a fighter as he was, Tendler never won a championship. From his first professional fight in 1913, at age 15 years, until his final bout in 1928, Tendler fought the best in four weight classes, including seven world champions. A brilliant lightweight and welterweight, Tendler made just one career mistake: fighting in the same era as the legendary Benny Leonard. He would meet champion Leonard in two classic and widely heralded matches, losing the first bruising battle on a no-decision. Although the younger Tendler had soundly thrashed Leonard throughout their 12- round bout, the State of New Jersey (site of the July 27, 1922 match) had a no-decision law that meant a champion could only lose his title by a knockout. Presented here is an original matchbook from Lew Tendler's Restaurant in Philadelphia, a facility run by Tendler after he retired from boxing.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original Lew Tendler Restaurant matchbook without matches which pictures Lew Tendler. Bold color and print. Bold, clear image. Not creased or torn. Clean front and back. 1 1/2" x 4 1/2."