Tommy Gibbons

Circa 1923

Shelby, Montana

As partial renumeration the promoters of the Demspey-Gibbons fight provided the challenger, Gibbons with a $7,500 advance payment and the free use of a house in Shelby for he and his family during training. Additionally, the townspeople constructed a fenced training facility to which Gibbons charged daily admission, with the promoters paying all training expenses.

So, as opposed to popular belief, Gibbons did not in fact fight Dempsey for free.

The smiling Gibbons is shown during his training in Shelby. He became very popular in the area and by fight day was consider a "local" favorite.

Size: 3 1/2 X 5 1/2 in.