HORNE, SONNY SIGNED PROMOTIONAL PHOTO

George "Sonny" Horne (January 3, 1924 – September 27, 1959) was a professional boxer in the 1940s who faced off against opponents such as Rocky Graziano, Kid Gavilán, Pete Mead, and Artie Levine. An outstanding defensive boxer, Horne lost only 10 bouts and fought one draw in 121 professional fights. Horne won 24 of his first 26 professional fights and lost only six of his first 50. While he fought many of the leading boxers of his day, including Bobby Dykes and Tommy Bell, Horne is best known for three matches with the legendary Rocky Graziano. He first stepped into the ring with Graziano in New York on January 18, 1946, losing in the 10th round. Horne faced Graziano again on April 5, 1948, and a final time on December 6, 1949. In both cases, he lost in the 10th round. Horne also faced middleweight contender Pete Mead, losing a bout in 1946, but defeating Mead in a rematch the following year. In the late 1940s, he was knocked out by Artie Levine. Horne's career came to a tragic end when he was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease in the late 1940s. He succumbed to the chronic illness in 1959. Offered here is a scarce, original promotional photo of Sonny Horne which he has has signed and inscribed. From the collection of former Boxing Illustrated writer Ralph Pollack who had the photo signed by Sonny Horne in the mid 1940's at Stillman's Gym in New York City.
This is an original promotional photo of Sonny Horne in full, fight pose. Boldly signed in ink, "To a Pal Ralph Best of Luck Sonny Horne." Bold, clear image. Clean. Not creased or torn. 5" x 8."