Photograph of Al Van Ryan, Prominent Welterweight Boxer (1919-1930)

Item Details

This black-and-white photograph depicts Al Van Ryan, famously known as "The St. Paul Cowboy," a prominent welterweight boxer who actively competed from 1919 through 1930. Measuring 8 by 4 inches, the image features Van Ryan seated on a wooden chair in a relaxed yet contemplative pose. He is bare-chested, wearing dark boxing shorts and laced-up boxing shoes, accentuating his athletic physique. His gloved hands suggest readiness for training or combat.

The setting appears to be a studio with a plain backdrop, emphasizing Van Ryan's form and demeanor. The lighting casts soft shadows, highlighting the muscle definition and disciplined posture of the athlete. Below the image, Van Ryan’s signature adds a personal touch to this historical artifact. With an impressive knockout rate of 54.55%, Van Ryan’s prowess in the ring is well-documented, making this photograph a valuable piece of memorabilia from the early 20th-century boxing era.