One of the toughest boxers in ring history, Battling Nelson twice held the world lightweight title. In 1909, Nelson met his fiercest opponent, Ad Wolgast, in a bloody no-decision fight that newspaper reporters gave to Wolgast. The next year the two fought in a brutally wild brawl for the title. In the 22nd round, Nelson knocked Wolgast down hard, but Wolgast surprised the crowd by getting up before the ten count. Both of Nelson's eyes swelled shut, and by the start of the 40th round, he was so nearly blind that he took his fighting stance opposite one of the ring posts. At that point, the referee stopped the fight, and Wolgast was the champion. Vintage 3.75 x 5.5 photo, signed and inscribed in pencil “To my good friend Mrs. Permilia Billiard, Compliments of Battling Nelson, Mayor of Hegewisch, Ill. March 3, 1911.” In very good condition, with scattered silvering to darker areas of photo and some light contrast to portions of signature and inscription. COA Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
