Willard grants Johnson an immediate rematch within a month or two for 15 rounds in New York City. Who wins this fight?
The US government.:good Actually with the confidence that he could stop Johnson, I think Jess would probably win again but by decision. Johnson was essentially done by1915,his valiant effort against the giant was his swan song.imo
Re-watching the quality Fight I film recently, Williard one-punched Johnson out cold. Hard for Johnson, 6 months older, to get over something like that.
It's feasible ,after 20rounds against Willard the referee ,Jack Welch said he would have awarded the decision to Johnson.
And dont forget Johnson went undefeated for another 10 years! Not the greatest opponents, but not all were that bad either. Johnson was still winning when Willard retired! Johnson had been kod before previously by choynski and he followed this with an incredible streak. I think he wins the rematch. Actually, looking at Willards actual history, i think he was capable of winning a rematch at practically any time after he lost it. Though i do concede that Willards size makes an interesting stylistic challenge as Johnson does age, so maybe that is taking it a bit far.
Johnson dominated the first 20 rounds or more against Willard the first time around. I think he could get the job done and beat Willard in a 15 rounder. A long fight suited Willard much better than a short one given his size, strength, and deficiencies in skill.
The first fight was 45 rounds. As such the pacing would be different from both fighters in a 15 round format. On the surviving films, Willard looks to be the better or even on several rounds prior to 26. A few rounds can be viewed here and scored if you fancy. [url]http://search.myway.com/search/video.jhtml?searchfor=jack+johnson+vs+jess+willards&p2=%5EBYQ%5Exdm157%5ETTAB02%5Eus&n=782a5957&ptb=D87B0786-7323-4A66-A347-42153D1FC348&si=204822&ss=sub&st=tab&tpr=sbt[/url] A 15 round format would be a different fight. Willard would be more active, and likely take an older Johnson out again.
Let's not forget.. The heat also played a big role. If it wasn't as hot, and the affair 15 rounds, I like Johnson's chances.
I doubt that Willard would permit the fight to be a fifteen rounder. As champion he would try to dictate terms favourable to himself.
Johnson knew he could not go 45 rounds and as such went for the ko early. So Johnson fought at a quick pace even though a 45 round distance bout. In a return match over 15 rounds Johnson would probably coast to a decision win.
You are correct in saying that Johnson was aware he could not possibly go 45rds, however he was confident that once he went to Willard and put his foot to the metal he could get him out of there . Johnson confidence was misplaced ,years of dissipation and age had taken its irrevocable toll on his strength and stamina. Against a giant trained to the minute, a giant who whatever his shortcomings ,was as strong as an Ox and one with a granite chin and a big right hand punch. Once Johnson realised he could not stop Willard and that the end result was inevitable he probably lost heart, but he took his lumps like a champion should..I actually think it is one of Johnson's finest performances.:good
Did Willard really have a granite jaw? He lost to every puncher he faced except Moran. I just think that seeing how far Johnson was ahead when he got stopped in the 26th round that Willard wouldn't have the ability to beat him, even that old and fat.
