RISKO, EDDIE "BABE" SIGNED PHOTO

Henry Pylkowski, known in his boxing career as Babe Risko, and Eddie Risko, (July 14, 1911 – March 8, 1957) was a Polish-American boxer who became Middleweight boxing champion of the world in portions of 1935–36. While boxing in his early career with the US Navy, he was known as Sailor Puleski. He was managed by Gabe Genovese of Syracuse, New York. After winning the World Middleweight Title, his professional career declined rapidly, perhaps because of his lengthy amateur career with the Navy. Risko won the NYSAC World Middleweight Title and National Boxing Association World Middleweight Title with a win over Teddy Yarosz on September 19, 1935. Risko knocked Yarosz to the mat twice for counts of nine in the sixth and seventh rounds, and several judges gave Yarosz only the first round. On February 10, 1936, Risko successfully defended his World Middleweight championship for the only time against Tony Fisher in ten rounds in Newark, New Jersey.[1] Risko was awarded eight of the ten rounds in a title bout considered "drab" by some reporters. Only one round was awarded to Fisher, a 21 year old Newark native Risko married Sally Ciborowski of Syracuse in 1936 and eventually had a daughter. After losing five straight fights by knockout, Risko retired from boxing in 1939, only three years after holding the crown. He recruited for the Navy during WWII and served as Deputy Sheriff in Onandaga County. He later worked as a sales manager for the U. S. Hoffman Machinery Corp. of New York. On March 7, 1957, he died unexpectedly in his sleep in his home in Syracuse at the age of only 46. He was still working for the machinery firm at the time of his death. Offered here is an original promotional photograph which has been signed by Eddie "Babe" Risko. From collection of sports writer Charles Lesemann.
This is an original promotional photo of Risko in full fight pose. Bold, clear image. Clean. Noldly signed in red ink, "To Charles Lesemann Best of Luck (Babe) Risko." Small crease in upper left corner. Minor edge wear. 8" x 10."