MITEFF, ALEX VINTAGE SIGNED PHOTO

Born on March 25, 1935 in Santa Fe, Argentina, Alex Miteff was an outstanding amateur and professional boxer. In 140 amateur bouts he lost only 3 times with 11 draws and 126 wins. He turned pro in 1955 and after only one fight in his home country moved to New York where he became an immediate favorite at the old St.Nicholas Arena and Madison Square Garden. Standing 6 foot 1 inch and weighing in at a little over 200 pounds he was a big man for those times. His style was quite aggressive and relied on a strong body attack. After only 8 pro bouts he was matched with the veteran trial horse Archie McBride at the St.Nick and came away with a 10 round decision .He followed that with a 10 round win over the German fringe contender Willi Besmanoff who entered the bout with 51 pro fights under his belt. Alex was on his way as a top prospect although he had only 10 fights, all wins at this point and he was still only 22 years of age. 4 fights later he faced contender Big Mike DeJohn in his hometown of Syracuse. Mike, who had far more experience and a 34-3-1 record, upset the Miteff applecart by scoring a first round KO. It didn't take Alex long to get back on track. 3 fights later he outpointed the highly ranked Cuban Nino Valdez in 10 rounds at the Garden and then followed with a 10 round draw against the rising young Canadian slugger George Chuvalo in Toronto. Alex would go on to face most of the best in the division over the next 4 years. He never won a title and he lost a few more than he won, especially towards the end of his career but he did achieve the astonishing distinction of fighting no less than 20 fighters who were rated at one time in The Ring's top 10. In the annual ratings of 1961 seven of the top 10 fighters all fought Alex Miteff at one time or another. Among the top fighters that Alex defeated were Willi Besmanoff, John Holman, Harold Carter, Wayne Bethea and Alonzo Johnson twice. He also stopped former cruiserweight champion Monroe Ratliff in 4 rounds. He lost, but went all 10 rounds with the likes of Zora Folley, Eddie Machen, Henry Cooper, Billy Hunter and George Chuvalo in a rematch. Alex was stopped by Muhammead Ali, Cleveland Williams, Bob Cleroux and Jerry Quarry in an illadvised comeback bout in 1967. His final record was an unimpressive 26-13-1 with 16 KOs but most of the defeats came late in his career. He was stopped 8 times, most near the end and more often than not on cuts which bothered him in many of his fights. He was not noted for his great defense but rather his willingness to mix it up with anybody. By the time he was 26 years of age he was pretty well finished as a top fighter. Offered here is an original promotional photograph of Alex Miteff in full fight pose which he has signed and inscribed in vintage hand.
This is an original, black & white, 8" x 10" promotional photo. Bold, clear image. Clean front and back. Not creased or torn. Boldly signed in blue ink, "To my friend Red Taylor best Wishes Alex Miteff." Minor edge and corner wear.