MONTANA, SMALL SIGNED LARGE FORMAT PHOTOGRAPH

JoSportsInc

Regular price $600.00

Benjamin Gan (February 24, 1913 – August 4, 1976), more commomly known as Small Montana, was a Filipino boxer. Montana, who stood 5 feet and 4 inch (163 cm) tall and never weighed more than 112 pounds, won the Flyweight Championship of the World (as recognized by New York state). He won the American flyweight title by beating Midget Wolgast twice in 1935. He also went abroad to defend his title, but lost to Benny Lynch in a 15 round bout in London on January 9, 1937. He also tried to fight for a world championship but fell short in all his world title matches. During his career he fought Little Dado and Little Pancho (half-brother of Francisco Guilledo) but lost to both of them on points. Although he never won a world title, he defeated Manuel Ortiz, Midget Wolgast, Tony Marino, Joe Tei Ken, Speedy Dado, Tommy Forte, Augie Curtis, Pat Palmer, Frankie Jarr, Eugene "Tuffy" Pierpont and Antol "Tony" Kocsis. Offered here is a rare, original, large format photograph of Small Montana which he has boldly signed.
This is an original, first generation, large format photograph of Small Montana in fight pose at the height of his career. Boldly signed at lower right in fountain pen, "Small Montana California Flyweight Champ World's Leading Contender June-25-35." Part of inscription has been trimmed off, not affecting the signature or date. Bold, clear image. Clean. Mild crease at lower left and tiny crease at upper right corner. Minor edge wear with a small closed tear and no paper loss. 16" x 20." Exceptionally rare, especially in this size.

Size: 16 x 20

Condition: very good