JO Sports, Inc.
HISTORY: On July 26, 1938 at the Seattle Civic Stadium Field in Seattle, Washington middleweight champion Freddie Steele defended his title against local challenger Al Hostak. Hostak knocked Steele out in the very first round to win the title. The crowd of 35,000 saw Steele knocked down four times. He was counted out by Referee Dempsey, former World Champion. Some ringside observers accused Steele of coming out against Hostak with his hands down, thus getting KO'd in the first round, but Steele had been hampered by a cracked breastbone, which prevented him from lifting his gloves high to where they belonged--according to his chief sparring partner, Davey Ward.
Offered here is an original, type 1 wire photo depicting Steele on the canvas with Hostak retreating to a neutral corner at Dempsey's instruction.
FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original, type 1 wire photo depicting Steele on the canvas with Hostak retreating to a neutral corner at Dempsey's instruction. Associated Press Photo stamp on reverse. No caption. Bold, clear image. Not creased or torn. Clean front and back. 7" x 9."
