Quote Originally Posted by keo View Post
Jack Johnson, always claims that this fight was a set up, and that he was not really knocked out.He is seen shading his eyes from the sun, in the knock out photo, he was 37 years old ,the fight lasted 26 rounds.Ive seen most of the old footage of the fight ,and l agree with Johnsons view, that he threw the fight.Jess Willard was not skillful enough to beat Johnson.l understand that this was a long time a go ,1915 but l would be interested to hear what people think regards. keo.
Urban legend. I guess its possible but you don't wager 2500 bucks on yourself to win and then take a dive in the 26th round. The gloves over the eyes thing has happened before many times but you don't get pictures of most of them. Holyfield/Douglas more recently and Conn/Louis is another from the past.
Conn and Johnson got caught talking when they should have been listening. Willard was a flailing, lumbering oaf with two left feet who never turned pro until 29 but he had heart and grit and by all accounts was getting the shit kicked out of him prior to Johnsons tank going empty.