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. Lot of two signed photos: vintage 3.75 x 5.5 postcard photo of Nelson in a tie, overcoat and hat, signed in pencil, “Sincerely, Battling Nelson, Mayor of Hegewisch, Ill, San Pedro, Cal Feb 28, 1908”; and a vintage 3.75 x 5.5 postcard photo of Nelson in a pugilistic pose, signed in pencil, “Sincerely, The Battler, Hegewisch, Ill. 2-22-08.” In very good condition, with moderate contrast to signature and sentiment to both and light silvering working in from edges. COA Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
