MULDOON, WILLIAM INK SIGNATURE

William Muldoon (May 25, 1852 – June 3, 1933) was the Greco-Roman Wrestling Champion, physical culturist and the first chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission. He once wrestled a match that lasted over seven hours. Nicknamed "The Solid Man," Muldoon established himself as champion in Greco-Roman wrestling in the 1880s and over the years gained a remarkable measure of public influence that would continue through his days as a health farm proprietor in Westchester County and his service on NYSAC. Muldoon was a mainstay in New York sports for over 50 years. In 1889 Muldoon trained John L. Sullivan for his famous 75-round fight against Jake Kilrain for the world heavyweight bare-knuckle boxing championship. He had done so on a friendly wager and offered to absorb expenses if Sullivan lost. Sullivan won and Muldoon gained national notice for restoring the boxing champion to fighting form after Sullivan was dismissed by the press and sporting public as a hopelessly dissipated wreck. Muldoon's methods at accomplishing Sullivan's rejuvenation gained much public interest. Muldoon was never defeated for his Greco-Roman Championship. Offered here is an ink signature of William Muldoon. This dates to the late 1920's, early 1930's. On the reverse is the signature of signer Kate Smith who was gaining in popularity at this time.
This is an ink signature on paper. Bold, blue ink signature of Muldoon near the end of his life. Clean. 1" x 4 7/8." Not creased or torn.