LOUIS, JOE SIGNED PHOTO

HISTORY: Joseph Louis Barrow (May 13, 1914 – April 12, 1981), better known as Joe Louis, was an American professional boxer and the World Heavyweight Champion from 1937 to 1949. He is considered to be one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. Nicknamed the Brown Bomber, Louis helped elevate boxing from a nadir in popularity in the post-Jack Dempsey era by establishing a reputation as an honest, hardworking fighter at a time when the sport was dominated by gambling interests. Louis' championship reign lasted 140 consecutive months, during which he participated in 26 championship fights; a 27th fight, against Ezzard Charles, was a challenge to Charles' heavyweight title and so is not included in Louis' reign. All in all, Joe was victorious in 25 title defenses, a record for the heavyweight division. In 2005, Louis was ranked as the #1 heavyweight of all-time by the International Boxing Research Organization, and was ranked #1 on The Ring's list of the 100 Greatest Punchers of All-Time. Offered here is an original photograph of Joe Louis, in period dress, which was taken while on board the Queen Elizabeth and which he has boldly signed in ink.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original, first generation photograph. Bold, clear image. Clean front and back. Boldly signed on the left white border in fountain pen ink, "Joe Louis." Minor edge and corner wear. Not creased, but several compressions from handling. 4 3/4" x 6 1/2."