Around Wilde's prime in 1916-1918 Williams was still weighing within the 118 range, which wasn't uncommon for Wilde to fight. Williams was still the champion during 1917 and probably would've generated alot of money for a superfight with Wilde, both have a common loss in Villa but both were past prime when they fought Villa. Was the size and skill of Williams too much of a risk for Wilde? Did Williams duck Wilde?
Maybe, just maybe, someone at the offence didn't think about it? In all seriousness, I don't think it was really discussed at any point but I'm far from an expert here.
A little scuffle in Europe was likely a major factor. Wilde joined the Army in 1916 and while he still maintained an active career in the ring his duties kept him close to home where he was a trainer and helped publicize the war effort.
Wilde only did one full US tour which came late 1919 and into 2020 a time when Williams wasn’t active for whatever reason. It wasn’t that easy for Wilde getting fights. Prior to that tour he’d taken on (and defeated) Pal Moore and Joe Lynch, so clearly Wilde would fight anyone so it’s likely a case of timing. Wilde was already looking at retirement after that US tour and he felt the only fighter he’d really missed out on was Herman, who of course he did fight in 2021.
The fact that I'm asserting that someone 20-25lbs heavier than Wilde was ducking him speaks for itself
He was one of the marvels of boxing history. I just realized I typo’d that he had a 101 year tour. Hahaha