CRAIG, FRANK "HARLEM COFFEE COOLER" CABINET CARD

Frank Craig was a late 19th, early 20th century African American prize fighter born in Columbus, Ohio on April 1, 1868. He fought professionally as a middleweight under the nickname, "Harlem Coffee Cooler." His first professional fight was on April 7, 1891, a victory over Seaman Fisher. On February 20, 1894 in Philadelphia he won the "Colored" Middleweight Title with a victory over Joe Butler. On October 8, 1894 he defeated John O'brien in London in a fight billed for the middleweight title. He stopped Ted Pritchard on December 17, 1894 in London in another fight billed for the middleweight title. His next fight on March 11, 1895 he was stopped by Frank Slavin. In his career he fought many greats including Philadelphia Jack O'Brien, Tommy Ryan, Dan Creedon and Jem Roche. He retired after losing to Jim Rideout on August 5, 1922 with a final mark of 68-36-9. Craig passed away on January 1, 1943. Offered here is an original cabinet card photo of Frank Craig done at the height of his career.
This is an original New York Illustrated News cabinet card of Frank Craig as part of their series, "The Champions." Bold, clear image. Not creased or torn. Tack hole at top. Surface wear at bottom. Clean. 4 1/2" x 6 1/2."