ROBINSON, SUGAR RAY SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH (18 YEARS OLD)

JoSportsInc

Regular price $1,500.00

Sugar Ray Robinson (Walker Smith, Jr.) was born in Ailey, Georgia on May 3, 1921. He became a professional fighter on October 4, 1940. He defeated Tommy Bell on December 20, 1946 to win the World Welterweight Title. He defeated Jake LaMotta on February 14, 1951 to win the World Middleweight Title. He would eventually win that title on four additional occasions. In a career which ran until 1965 he would claim victories over Gene Fullmer, Carmen Basilio, Kid Gavilan, Bobo Olson, Rocky Graziano, Henry Armstrong and Randy Turpin. Offered here is a very early promotional photograph of Sugar Ray Robinson which he has has signed and inscribed to his close friend Jerry Pecoraro. Jerry Pecoraro fought as an amateur on boxing shows with Sugar Ray Robinson and they remained friends for life.
The photograph is an early promotional photograph of Sugar Ray Robinson. Pictures Robinson as he looked at the age of 18. Has the raised stamp of Woodards Studio of New York and Chicago in the lower left corner. Photo has been trimmed. Boldly signed and inscribed in fountain pen, "Best Wishes To "Jerry" a Swell Fellow whom I wish all in life I wish myself Sincerely Ray Robinson NYC." Has a scrape at the lower center border and on the lower right and left borders not affecting the signature, inscription or image. Bold clear image. Not creased or torn. This is a very scarce example of Robinson's signature at a very early age with an image that predates his professional career. Obtained directly from the family of Jerry Pecoraro. 6" x 9."

Size: 6 x 9

Condition: very good