This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/24/2014
In 1908, Billy Papke from Springfield, Illinois, was the World Middleweight Boxing Champion. This is a punching bag, complete with rubber bladder, that used by Papke during that time period. Papke gained the title when he knocked out Stanley Ketchel in the 12th round of their championship bout on September 7, 1908. Two months later, he relinquished it when he was knocked out in the 11th round of a return bout with Ketchel two months later on November 26. The elongated leather punching bag was used for training by Papke. The black rubber bladder, originally on the interior of the punching bag, is now deflated and separate.
Includes Letter of Provenance from the Helms Athletic Foundation/LA84 Collection.