Black and white glossy photograph of heavyweight boxer Jimmy Bivins shining Trainer Johnny Papke's shoes. Bivins, wearing slacks and a white knit sweater with an American Indian design, is looking up at his 'customer' and holding a towel over his shoe. Papke is sitting in a chair wearing a light colored crew neck shirt under a suit jacket with slacks and dark leather shoes. He has a cigar in the right side of his mouth and is looking back at Bivins. Behind him on the wall is a Produce Co. calendar from Weslaco, Texas. Caption affixed to back of photo reads:
"Jimmy Bivins, Cleveland heavyweight, has vowed to sine the shoe of Trainer Johnny Papke every day for a year if he loses to Leonard Morrow here tomorrow night. Above, [this word crossed out in red pencil] Bivins shows his shoe shining technique. Ice cream is Jimmy's favorite food and in the picture below he is shown happily eating a cone while he discusses his fight with Papke [this sentence is crossed out in red pencil]."
Sections of image have been outlined in white or gray paint for reproduction purposes.
Jimmy BivinsFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Bivins (8/9/2007)James Louis Bivins (born December 6, 1919 in Dry Branch, GA) was Heavyweight boxing champion of the world. Bivins turned pro in 1940 and in 1943 defeated Lloyd Marshall to capture the "Duration" Light Heavyweight Title. Bivins was knocked down in the 7th for a 2-count, Marshall was down for nine in the 9th, and at the bell in the 12th, before being counted out in the 13th. This was the closest Bivins would come to a belt during his career. He retired in 1956 after having fought many of the notable heavyweights of the 1940's and 50's. Bivins fought a total of 112 bouts, having won 86 (KOs 31), lost 25, and drawn once.
