How the mighty have fallen. Jack Johnson in exile in Cuba invites Senor Delgado to his boxing match. An illegal fight clandestinely held in a "private discreet" place in "El Stadium" because of gambling and boxing being outlawed, or Johnson's color (?). This piece dates back to that period (1910s) when he was on the lam for his unfair Mann Act violation for taking his "white" future wife across state lines. Future baseball commissioner and bigot, Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis, presided over that trial and sent this Jackie Robinson to prison. Johnson jumped bail and fought in exhibitions overseas for measly purses and clownish antics. His prime years ruined, he lost to Jess Willard in Cuba in 1915 and returned to the states to serve his prison sentence. A "beaten" alcoholic, he ended up performing for dimes in burlesque houses. Typed in Spanish, Johnson has added his huge black ink NRMT signature. Letter itself (8x9") is folded and has a bit of light staining. Discovered in Cuba many years ago and this is the first time it is seeing the light of day. Perfect representation of the tragedy of the African American athlete and man in America.