Quote Originally Posted by El Gamo
Quote Originally Posted by Mr. Cosell
From what I've read about the Ketchel vs Johnson fight, it seems like it was more of a publicity stunt where they were really meant to just put on a show but Ketchel got it in his head mid way through the fight that he could catch Johnson off his guard and take him out... which is what happened. Apprarently Johnson was so pissed that Ketchel stopped playing along that he got up and wound up having to pick Ketchel's teeth out of his glove.... bad idea Stanley...
Are you sure? The commentator was talking about the hate they had for each other before the fight. Maybe it was hype?
Yup what the others say is completely true.For the pre fight publicity they even had Ketchel wear special extra heeled shoes to make him look taller to hype the fight.

Back in those days the fights were the biggest thing to be seen on the cinema screens but fights were only shown on the cinema if they went on for loads of rounds so the paying public got their money's worth so they agreed between them for it to be an exhibition.

Thats why so many of Jack Johnsons fights lasted for over 20 rounds, he simply carried guys to make more money from the cinema tickets.

His opponents would be trying to win and he'd just play with them until he'd put enough rounds in the bank and then turn up the heat.

That's why he's one of my favourite fighters ever, just an awesome fighter who could toy with opponents at will.