Jack Johnson
VERSUS
Jim Jeffries
● LIVE_ARCHIVE
JULY 4, 1910
Historical Narrative
The Fight of the Century
James J. Jeffries had retired undefeated 6 years prior. He was pressured by the media and public to return and defeat Jack Johnson. The hype was unprecedented, with a specially built arena in Reno hosting 20,000 spectators and the world listening by wire.
Tape Analysis
Height6′ 0½” / 6′ 1½”
Weight208 lbs / 225 lbs
Tactical Breakdown
Psychological Warfare
Johnson didn’t just box; he talked. He spent the fight smiling and conversing with Jim Corbett in Jeffries’ corner. “How do you like it, Jim?” he asked, while systematically picking the larger, slower Jeffries apart.
Official Record
TKO Round 15
Jeffries, exhausted and broken, was knocked down for the first time in his career in the 15th. His corner threw in the towel to prevent a knockout. The result triggered race riots across the United States.
CONTINUE THE JOURNEY
The Full Fights
