Hogan “Kid” Bassey was born in Calabar, Nigeria in Africa on June 3, 1932. He began his professional boxing career on January 1, 1949 winning over Dick Turpin. On June 24, 1957 after being knocked down early he arose to stop Cherif Hamia in round ten to win the World Featherweight Title. He held the title until March 18, 1959 when he lost it to Davey Moore. After losing the rematch to Moore he retired. In August, 1959. Bassey passed away on January 26, 1998. Offered here is an elaborate championship belt which was given to Hogan “Kid” Bassey on the occasion of winning the World Featherweight Title in 1957. This magnificent belt was issued to Bassey by the Johannesburg Sunday Express newspaper in South Africa. The belt is 51” long. The magnificent centerplate reads, JOHANNESBURG SUNDAY EXPRESS AFRICA’S NATIONAL NEWSPAPER GOLD BELT FOR THE WORLD’S FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP. The belt has 12 connecting plates listing every previous champion from Petey Sarron (9/4/37) to Sandy Saddler (9/8/50). Those identified on individual plates include: Petey Sarron (9/4/37), Henry Armstrong (10/29/37), Joey Archibald (4/19/39), Joey Archibald (9/28/39). Harry Jeffra (5/20/40), Harry Jeffra (7/29/40), Joey Archibald (5/12/41), Chalky Wright (9/11/41). Willie Pep (11/20/42), Sandy Saddler (10/29/48), Willie Pep (2/11/49), and Sandy Saddler (9/8/50). Beautifully belt is attached to a gorgeous black felt sash. The strap is torn and a few links are disconnected otherwise magnificent in every detail. One of the finest looking belts we have ever offered at public sale. LOA from Craig Hamilton of JO Sports, Inc. who researched the belt for this sale.