TURNER, GIL SIGNED PHOTO (STINSON LOA)

Gil Turner blazed out of the amateurs right into the maw of 1950s televised boxing. A year into his pro career, having built up a following with his high-energy style, Turner took on faded former Lightweight champion Beau Jack, decisioning him in 10 rounds. Turner continued his meteoric rise, kayoing former champs Jack and Ike Williams, as well as former top contenders Bernard Docusen and Charlie Fusari. By the summer of 1952, Turner's people felt he was ready for a title shot, despite that he was just 21 with only 31 pro fights. Promoter Herman "Muggsy" Taylor lured Welterweight champion Kid Gavilan to Philadelphia's Municipal Stadium to face Turner in the biggest Welterweight title fight in history up to that point in time. Turner started fast, figuring that Gavilan would fold like the rest of his opposition had to that point in his career. Gavilan, though, fought back. Despite a good start, Turner wore down as the fight entered the championship rounds. In the eleventh, Gavilan caught up to a punched-out Turner, and battered him with a series of left hooks and bolo punches and the ref stopped the fight. At the time of the stoppage, the fight was even on points. Turner was never really the same fighter, though he remained a fringe contender until 1954, beating Bobby Dykes, left-hook artist Joe Miceli, Pierre Langlois, and an unbeaten Johnny Saxton. A pair of kayo losses to light-hitting journeyman Bobby Jones and Al Andrews ended his days as a contender. Turner slipped into journeyman status from this point, though he did manage to beat an unbeaten Gene Fullmer, Yama Bahama, and Virgil Akins, before retiring in 1958. Offered here is a signed photo pf Gil Turner. LOA from Jim Stinson who conducted the signing on November 13, 1994 in Philadelphia.
This is a black & white, 8" x 10" photo of Turner in fight pose. Boldly signed in blue sharpie. Bold, clear image. Small folds in two right corners. Minor spotting. No tears.