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The First Known Autograph Signed by Jack Dempsey as World's Champion
Personal autograph book assembled by Toledo political boss Addison Thatcher, the day after Jack Dempsey first won the title from Jess Willard. He promoted and was most responsible for bringing the World's Heavyweight Championship to Toledo, Ohio on July 4th, 1919. Most importantly is the page signed, "Best wishes to a real fellow and May God Bless You...Your friend Jack Dempsey." He has also added a note to his trainer Jimmy DeForrest, "Many thanks Jimmy for your kindness to me while here (Jack) Toledo July 5 1919." Essentially signed twice by Jack and one day after he won the championship, making this the earliest documented signature while champion. Includes several autographs of members of Dempsey's camp including his trainer Jimmie Deforest. Of significant historical interest is Jack Dempsey's autographed inscription dated, "Toledo, July 5-19," the day after Dempsey won the World’s Heavyweight Championship. There are a total of 16 autographs including a wonderful self-portrait with huge cigar by respected San Francisco sportswriter & artist Bob Edgren, an unknown autograph of a "John" Dempsey, his famous trainer Jimmy DeForrest, "To Ad Thatcher the chap that brought the greatest fight off in (the) world...Dempsey & Willard 7/5/19." There are also signatures from a 1920 Toledo fight promoted by Thatcher of Jimmy Wilde v Frankie Mason. Signed by Lightweight Champion Jimmy Wilde the day of the fight with lengthy poem. He is joined by his wife, and manager D. Hughes on separate pages.
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