Jess Willard
Jess Willard (December 29, 1881–December 15, 1968[1]) was an American boxer. He was the heavyweight best puncher in the world from 1915 to 1919. When Jack Johnson was the Black world champion, Willard was one of the many "White Hopes" who wanted to take the title. He succeeded when he beat Johnson by a 26th round out-cold punch in Cuba in 1915. He fought to keep the title and won once before losing it to Jack Dempsey in 1919.
Jess Willard Media
- "Fighter Killed" Los Angeles Record, August 23, 1913.jpg
After Bull Young was killed by a blow from Jess Willard at Vernon Arena in 1913, in the 11th round of what was intended to be 20-round fight, California passed a law banning public boxing matches of longer than four rounds
- Panorama of Willard - Johnson fight, Havana, Cuba.jpg
Panorama of Willard's title fight against Jack Johnson in Havana, Cuba, 1915
- Willard & Dempsey - World Championship Bout - DPLA - 42553ead2e99b0e6a36a1f7fccb5111d (page 1) (cropped).jpg
Willard and Dempsey before the World Championship Bout
- The Challenge of Chance (1919) - Ad 4.jpg
Advertisement for The Challenge of Chance (1919)
References
Other websites
| Preceded by Jack Johnson |
Heavyweight boxing champion 1915–1919 |
Succeeded by Jack Dempsey |
