ROBINSON, SUGAR RAY-TOMMY BELL WIRE PHOTO (1946)

On December 20, 1946 at Madison Sqaure Garden in New York welterweights Sugar Ray Robinson and Tommy Bell fought for the world welterweight title which had been vacated by Marty Servo. Robinson won the title by unanimous 15 round decision. Having waited five years, Robinson finally got a shot at the title, which had been vacated by Marty Servo in September. The first five rounds were hard ones for Robinson, including a knockdown for a 7-count in round two from a left hook by Bell. According to Jimmy Cannon of the New York Post, Robinson then won the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th rounds. Bell took the tenth. Bell was dropped in the 11th for "eight," and battered in the 12th. Tommy came back to win the 13th & 14th rounds, although both rounds were slow. No mention was made of the 15th. Offered here is an original wire photo depicting Robinson landing a left jab to the body of Bell.
This is an original International News Photos wire photo with their stamp on back. No caption. Not torn. Tiny crease in upper right corner. Bold, clear image. Clean. 8" x 10."