Freddie "Red" Cochrane former welterweight World champion SIGNED, INSCRIBED "To My English Buddy Douglas Bygraves Wishing You Continued Success Throughout Life" and DATED Sept 2nd 1941 black & white 8" x 10" studio photo.

The inscription and signature is extremely light due to age but is still visible.

The low price reflects the sub standard condition of this very rare piece which is still highly sought after.

Condition fair (2 small tears & 2 rust marks on left edge along with creases and stains throughout)

Price: £45

Freddie 'Red' Cochrane, (born May 6, 1915 in Elizabeth, New Jersey and died January 1, 1993), fought in the welterweight (147lb) division who became World Champion in 1941 in that class. Cochrane was a resident of Union, New Jersey at the time of his death.

Cochrane turned pro in 1933 and was considered the World Welterweight champion in 1941 after beating Fritzie Zivic. Although he technically held the title for more than four years, he did not successfully defend it once due to World War II. In 1945 he fought a war with legendary Rocky Graziano in what was proclaimed 1945 Fight of the Year by Ring Magazine. Graziano was outboxed in the first eight rounds, but knocked down Cochrane in the 9th but the bell saved Cochrane from a KO. Cochrane was dropped again in the 10th for the full count. The Paid attendance for the bout was 18,071. Two months later he rematched Graziano and again was KO'd in the 10th round. Cochrane knocked down for seven nine counts before he took the full count in the tenth. The Paid attendance for the bout was 18,071 with a Gate of $100,469. With this bout, Graziano became the latest "Million Dollar Baby".

In 1946 Cochrane took on Marty Servo for the World Welterweight Title and lost via 4th round KO. Servo would relinquish the crown in September due to "an aching nose." Sugar Ray Robinson would then win the vacant title in December.