WEBB, SPIKE SIGNED PHOTO (TO NAT FLEISCHER)

HISTORY: Spike Webb, born Hamilton Murrel Webb (April 12, 1889 - July 2, 1963) was an American boxer who became an Olympic boxing coach for four successful American Olympic teams from 1920-1932, while simultaneously serving the initial and longest term as head boxing coach for the United States Naval Academy from 1919-54. During his twenty year tenure, he was considered by sports historians to be the most successful college and Olympic boxing coach of his era. Webb was born on April 2, 1889 to George W. and Mary E. Webb in the Hamden-Woodberry section of Baltimore, Maryland. He began professional boxing at 14, at his city's Eureka Athletic Club. His hometown paper, the Baltimore Sun, wrote that in one of his early fights as a scrawny featherweight he knocked out his opponent "Battling Kennedy" on March 17, 1916, only a few seconds after he had accidentally misplaced a blow and knocked out the referee. One Baltimore source wrote that before the War, he once met future World feather champion Johnny Kilbane. According to one source, he boxed professionally only six years, retiring in 1910, fighting close to 115 fights and acquiring an impressive record, but few reliable records remain of his professional fights. Offered here is an original photograph of Spike Webb which he has signed and inscribed to the editor and founder of The Ring, Nat Fleischer.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original, first generation photograph of Spike Webb. Boldly signed in fountain pen ink, "To Nat Fleischer With all good wishes, Sincerely, Spike Webb." Photographer stamp on reverse. Bold, clear image. Clean front and back. Tiny crease at lower left corner. Minor corner wear. 8" x 10." Rare, the only autograph of Webb we have offered.