Teddy Yarosz

Middleweight Champion of the World

circa 1936

By the time Teddy Yarosz signed this photograph, 9 August 1936 he was no longer Middleweight Champion. Yarosz had a remarkable early career, when he won the Title from Vince Dundee on 11 September 1934, he had won 84 of his first 86 professional fights. Even more remarkable 81 of the fights had gone the distance!

Tragically on New Years Day, 1935 Teddy Yarosz was knocked down in the first round by Babe Risko. Although the iron-willed Yarosz got up he had sustained serious cartilage damage to his leg. Even at that it took seven rounds and six more knockdowns before the referee stopped the bout. Although the fight was a non-title event, Teddy Yarosz was never to be the same. After surgery and recovery the Champion gave Babe Risko a title shot and with it went Teddy Yarosz crown, losing in 15 rounds.

Although Yarosz continued to fight for six more years, over forty more bouts and another leg injury he never regained his championship form. A final footnote: 21 September 1936 Teddy Yarosz won a ten round decision over Babe Risko. Unfortunately, Risko had lost the Title some two months before.

Vintage Promotional Photograph. Signed in blue fountain pen,"To my friend Art Bissell With Best Wishes Sincerely Teddy Yarosz 8/9/36"

Size: 5 x 7 in.

Condition: Fine

Price: $ 85.00