1915 Heavyweight Contender Fred Fulton Set to Fight Jess Willard Original TYPE I Photo

Fred Fulton made his professional debut in 1913 and did not retire from boxing until 1933. His final record was 83 wins (72 by KO), 17 losses and 4 draws. In 2003 he was named to Ring magazine's' list of 100 greatest punchers of all time.From 1915 to 1917 Fulton won 17 consecutive matches (14 by KO). During this win streak Fulton was frequently mentioned as a heavyweight title contender, with The New York Times even reporting that he had booked a title fight against heavyweight champion Jess Willard. The Day Book reported Fulton having an arm span of 84.5 inches, exceeding Willard's 83.5 inches, suggesting Fulton had the reach advantage despite Willard being the tallest heavyweight champion in history to that point. However the fight never came to pass.The win streak ended against Carl Morris. With Fulton fouling on purpose to end the fight. In a rematch with Carl Morris, a mirror opposite their last encounter, Morris was disqualified for repeated headbutting even after being warned by the referee. The consecutive disqualification victories between the two boxers suggest a fixed outcome. By the end of 1917 Fred Fulton added wins against Sam Langford and Gunboat Smith.Fulton's dreams of obtaining a title fight were dashed when he was KO'd by future heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey in 18.6 seconds of the first round on July 27, 1918, and 2 years later by Harry Wills in 3 rounds on July 26, 1920.At the time of his retirement Fulton had compiled a professional record of 84-19-4, with 70 wins coming by knockout.Offered is a super rare 7" x 9.5" original TYPE I photograph of Fulton in fighting pose with the original paper caption announcing his upcoming fight with Willard (rumor has it that Willard backed out of the fight because he was afraid of losing to Fulton, hence giving up his title) stamped December 22, 1915.