Gerhardt Anthony Steffen was born in San Francisco California on February 13 1891 and began his boxing career in 1907 under the assumed name of "Willie Ritchie" so that his mother wouldn't be aware of his career. He turned out to be the world lightweight boxing champion from 1912 to 1914. Ritchie's first title shot in a match came against lightweight champion Ad Wolgast on November 28 1912 in San Francisco. Ritchie dominated the fight and after Wolgast landed two blows below the belt in the 16th round the referee called the fight for Ritchie. He held the title for two years successfully defending it four times. His first defense of the World Lightweight Boxing crown came on July 4 1913 against Joe Rivers. This six-ounce left-handed Sol Levinson boxing glove is the one he wore against Rivers more than 100 years ago. In 1914 he sailed to London to face the British lightweight champion Freddie Welsh. Welsh won the 20-round match by decision. After losing his title Ritchie continued to fight until retiring in 1927. In 1937 he became chief inspector for the California State Athletic Commission a position he held until 1961. He was inducted in the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1962 and died 13 years later in Burlingame California at the age of 84.

Includes Letter of Provenance from the Helms Athletic Foundation/LA84 Collection.