Jess Willard
VERSUS
Jack Johnson
● LIVE_ARCHIVE
APR 5, 1915
Historical Narrative
Havana Heat
Jack Johnson, exiled from the U.S., defended his title against the 6’6″ “Pottawatomie Giant” Jess Willard in Oriental Park, Havana. The fight was scheduled for 45 rounds under a scorching sun. Johnson dominated early but faded as the heat and Willard’s size took their toll.
Tape Analysis
Height6′ 6½” / 6′ 0½”
Weight238 lbs / 225 lbs
The Climax
Round 26
Exhausted, Johnson was caught by a straight right hand in the 26th round. He crumpled to the canvas, lying on his back. As the referee counted him out, Johnson famously raised his gloves to shade his eyes from the sun.
The Controversy
The “Fake” KO?
For years, Johnson claimed he threw the fight to gain re-entry into the United States. He pointed to the “shading of the eyes” as proof he was conscious. However, film analysis suggests the exhaustion and the punch were all too real.
CONTINUE THE JOURNEY
The Full Fights
