LEONARD, BENNY ORIGINAL CARTOON ART (CIRCA 1924)

Benny Leonard (born Benjamin Leiner; April 7, 1896 – April 18, 1947) was a Jewish American professional boxer who held the world lightweight championship for eight years from 1917-25. Widely considered one of the all-time greats, he was ranked 8th on The Ring magazine's list of the "80 Best Fighters of the Last 80 Years" and placed 7th in ESPN's "50 Greatest Boxers of All-Time". In 2005, the International Boxing Research Organization ranked Leonard as the #1 lightweight, and #8 best pound-for-pound fighter of all-time. Statistical website BoxRec rates Leonard as the 2nd best lightweight ever, while The Ring magazine founder Nat Fleischer placed him at #2. Boxing historian Bert Sugar placed him 6th in his Top 100 Fighters catalogue. After his fight with Pal Moran in 1924 Leonard initially retired. This is the subject of the original cartoon art offered here which depicts Leonard being lured away from boxing into the stage and theater.
This is original cartoon art with creator stamp in lower right corner. On archival board. Bold, clear images. Has some discoloration at center. Some edge and surface wear witha few compressions from handling. Slightly irregular in size to 15" x 19."