New Zealand boxer (1863-1917) who made boxing history as the sport's first three-division world champion. Dapper vintage glossy 5.5 x 8 photo of Fitzsimmons in a white suit and hat, signed and inscribed in fountain pen "To James J. Jeferies [sic] from Bob Fitzsimmons, Oct. 15th, 1908." Photo is affixed to an identical size board. In very good condition, with trimmed edges, scattered light spotting and surface marks, and a bit of trivial irregular ink adhesion.
In June 1899, Jeffries easily knocked out Fitzsimmons, but faced a markedly stronger opponent when the pair faced each other again in 1902-allegedly because Fitzsimmons had loaded gloves. Regardless, Fitzsimmons easily pummeled Jeffries, breaking his nose and cheek-bones-until a single blow from the heavyweight champion eventually knocked out Fitzsimmons. Here, six years later, all was forgiven. This unique image shows the special bond forged between the two champs. Fitzsimmons is rare in any form, especially in signed photographs...with an image signed to another boxing champ a one-of-a-kind item! Pre-certified Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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