PHILIPPINES. Champion Boxer Gold Medal, 1920. ABOUT UNCIRCULATED Details.

PHILIPPINES. Champion Boxer Gold Medal, 1920. ABOUT UNCIRCULATED Details. Honeycutt-130 (Plate medal). Weight: 15.98 gms.; Diameter: 35 mm. Obverse: Boxer standing facing; Reverse: Five-line hand engraved script inscription "MICHAEL BALLERMO (Ballerino) / 31ST INFANTRY / BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPION / PHILIPPINE DEPARTMENT / 1920", stamped "GOLD" below. This interesting medal featuring a bold high-relief obverse design offers a pleasing satiny surfaces with mottled sunset hued patina. The inscription is done is fine neat script, but there does appear to be a spelling error of Ballerino's last name. Close inspection reveals a couple of edge files on the reverse edge mentioned for accuracy. Overall a pleasing piece that is certain to add depth to the next collection it enters. Born 10 April 1901, Ballerino began boxing for the Army at the age of 17 while stationed in the Philippines. He is known for relentless attacks and much enthusiasm which thrilled audiences. By January 1920 he won against Kid Ponzo in a third-round knockout. He began facing top rated fighters which eventually led nine matches against future Filipino World Flyweight Champion Pancho Villa between January 1920 to October 1921. He lost six of those nine matches. He continued his boxing career and fared well for awhile, but by 1928 had lost five consecutive matches. Shortly after he retired. His official record is 34 wins, 32 losses, 14 draws, 2 no contests and 18 Newspaper decisions/draws. Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000. Provenance: From the Dr. Earl Honeycutt Collection. To view all items from the Dr. Earl Honeycutt Collection, click

Estimate:$1,200

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