Jack Johnson verses Jess Willard

[IamInuit]

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.

[Mars_ax]

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.

It's true that Willard didn't have the greatest skills, but I believe he just wore the older Johnson down over the course of 26 rounds in brutal temperatures. Remember, Johnson was 37 years old ancient for a Heavyweight Champion back in 1915. If Johnson was going to throw the fight he wouldn't have endured 26 rounds of punishment before taking a dive. My guess is, he gave it all he could, but was exhausted and couldn't continue, or simply decided to quit.

I reckon the only person who knows for sure is Johnson.

BTW, welcome to SaddoBoxing, good thread.

[Britkid]

Johnson was a brilliant story teller, and with 'that' picture, he could blag that he was shielding his eyes et al. But when the film was found (not that long ago), it clearly shows the fight was not fixed and that Johnson passed out while the referee counted him out.