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Lot # 908: Jack Johnson vs. Stanley Ketchel Glass Plate Negative

Starting Bid: $200.00

Bids: 9 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Late Summer Classic 2021",
which ran from 8/22/2021 7:00 PM to
9/25/2021 10:00 PM



Original, one of a kind, from the camera glass plate negative captures one of the most significant - and unexpected - moments in boxing history. On October 16, 1909, legendary Middleweight Champion Stanley Ketchel took on equally-legendary Heavyweight Champ Jack Johnson in what was billed as an "exhibition." This image shows the instant that Ketchel - giving away over 40 pounds - scored a stunning knockdown as Johnson tries to push himself off the canvas. Legend has it that Ketchel's was a sucker punch and Johnson quickly responded by knocking out his smaller opponent, though video discovered later showed that it was, in fact, a competitive bout and Johnson did, in fact, score the decisive knockout only after he was floored in the 12th round. Measures 6.25x8.5"; though the photo captured here has surfaced over the years, this is THE one and only negative from which it originated. More superlative content from the historic Brown Brothers collection.

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