pugilism

Very good memories of the past in Berlin. I too have some photos in my Flickr collection of historical photos.

"Joe Edwards" was the alias for the welterweight German boxer Paul Maschke from Berlin, who was a contender in the 'mixed rules' (boxing/wrestling) events that were taking place in parts of Europe.

"Joe Edwards" was the light-weight champion in London in 1900, and in addition to an active fighting schedule, "Joe Edwards" authored books on Boxing ("Boxen. Ein Fechten mit Naturwaffen" translated: "Boxing. Fencing with nature weapons”), taught at the Berlin Boxing Club and ran the "Berlin School of Boxing", ("American-Athletic-Club") in Berlin. [1] [2]

On February 1, 1907, Paul Maschke ('Joe Edwards') (Boxing) defeated the Frenchman, Edmond Vary (Jiu Jitsu) in Berlin. There was a rematch on August 11, 1907, between Maschke and Vary (Jiu Jitsu), also in Berlin. One source states that Vary lost again, another, a newspaper article from August 18, 1907, calls it a draw. [3] [4] [5]

Joe's wife, Rose "Edwards" was also a boxer. Two photographs of her are featured on Flickr.


 
There are other (LOC) photographs of "Joe Edwards" here:

           
"Joe Edwards"           by LOC             "Joe Edwards"           by LOC

 

This is Frau Rose Edwards (in the strap dress), the wife of the welterweight German boxer Paul Maschke from Berlin, who went by the alias of "Joe Edwards".

"Joe Edwards" was the light-weight champion in London in 1900, and in addition to an active fighting schedule, "Joe Edwards" authored a book on boxing in 1912, entitled "Boxen. Ein Fechten mit Naturwaffen" (translated: "Boxing. Fencing with nature weapons”). He also taught at the Berlin Boxing Club and ran the "Berlin School of Boxing", ("American-Athletic-Club") in Berlin. [1] [2]

This photograph was likely taken from Joe Edwards' 1912 book. [3]   Shown below is another LOC photo-illustration on Flickr, that was taken from this book, as well as a link to two other photo-illustrations (not on Flickr) that were taken at the same time. From the series it is likely that all four photo-illustrations are posed, mock-boxing, rather than an actual match.

 
"Mrs. Edwards & Frl. Kussin [boxing]" by LOC

"The opponent of Mrs. Edwards moves away from the left jab"

 
Other illustrations in series: History of Contemporary Women Boxing, from Female Single Combat Club.

 
There are several LOC photos on Flickr of "Joe Edwards", including this one:


"Boxing class in Joe Edward's School, Berlin" by LOC

 

Jack Johnson was born in Galveston TX

This is one of 4 Bain Collection photos of Jack Johnson taken in the same place and apparently at the same time, one of which is dated May 3, 1912