MOORE, DAVEY SIGNED PHOTO (FEATHERWEIGHT)

HISTORY: David S. "Davey" Moore (November 1, 1933 – March 25, 1963) was an American world featherweight champion boxer who fought professionally 1953–1963. A resident of Springfield, Ohio.Moore made his professional debut on May 11, 1953, at the age of 19, beating Willie Reece by a decision in six rounds. He boxed 8 times in 1953, with a total record that year of 6 wins, 1 loss and 1 no contest. From the beginning of his career through 1956 Moore fought a total of 29 bouts, with a total record of 22–5–1, and 1 no contest. Beginning with his April 10, 1957 fight against Gil Cadilli, Moore had an 18-bout winning streak, ending when he lost to Carlos Morocho Hernández on March 17, 1960 with a TKO. March 14, 1960, won match against Bob Gassey in first round, as a result of the knockout, Gassey lost all but 2 teeth. It was during this period, on March 18, 1959 that Moore won the World Featherweight Fom Davey Moore Champ." Title from Hogan "Kid" Bassey. Moore retained the title through the remainder of his career, defending it successfully 5 times, and losing it to Sugar Ramos on March 21, 1963. Moore was scheduled to face Cuban-Mexican Sugar Ramos in July, 1962 at Dodger Stadium but a torrential typhoon-like rainstorm hit Los Angeles on the night of the fight and the fight was postponed until March 21, 1963. It was shown on national television. In the tenth round Ramos staggered Moore with a left and then continued to pummel him with blows until he fell, striking the base of his neck on the bottom rope and injuring his brain stem. Moore got to his feet for the eight-count and, despite Ramos' continuing attack, somehow managed to finish the round on his feet, but the referee stopped the fight before the eleventh, and Ramos was declared the new WBC/WBA World Featherweight Champion. Moore was able to give a clear-headed interview before he left the ring, but in the dressing room fell into a coma from which he never emerged, dying 75 hours later. There was existing public controversy due to the death of Benny "Kid" Paret one year before, and Moore's death prompted debate about the dangers of boxing and the possibility of the sport being banned in the United States. Offered here is a very rare signed photograph of Davey Moore.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original Central Press Photos wire photo with their caption and stamp on the back. Dated December 10, 1959 picturing Moore in fight pose. Signed in ink, "To My Pal David From Davey Moore." Bold, clear image. Clean front and back. Not creased or torn. Mild surface wear at upper right outside of image and signature. 8" x 10."