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Lot # 256: 1922 Harry Wills, "Early Black Heavyweight Champion" Intense Portrait Photo

Category: Boxing

Starting Bid: $25.00

Bids: 14 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "August Collectors Auction 2022",
which ran from 7/25/2022 6:00 AM to
8/13/2022 8:00 PM



Harry Wills was quite possibly the greatest victim of the Racism brought about after Jack Johnson won the Heavyweight title. Wills was constantly ranked among the top contenders in the World but never got a shot because of his color. He was forced instead to fight the best Black Boxers of his era over, and over again. He fought Sam Langford 22 times and Sam McVey 3 times among others. Wills appeared to finally get his chance against Jack Dempsey but he was forced to keep hoping when Dempsey pulled out over lack of a $100,000 guarantee. Wills remains one of the best boxers of his era but we as a public are left to wonder if he could have ever been the Heavyweight Champion if he had been given the chance. The offered image is an absolutely breathtaking photograph of Willis, showing his determination that made him so dominant in the ring. Issued by the Keystone View Company and stamped on the back with a large paper caption, this is one of his finest images we have ever handled. Despite two creases ad some pinholes from editorial use, the image presents beautifully.

Size: 6.5x8.5
Designation: Vintage 1
Condition: 1/5
Quality: 5/5
Overall Grade: 6/10

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