In the Ring: Marvin Hart .. Real facts on Johnson fight

And thus the argument narrows to a consensus.

 

Is there any evidence of support for a Johnson Jeffries fight at any time? Even if Johnson was the number one and logical challenger (which i doubt), there needs to be someone who is willing to put up the money for a figtht with Jeffries. IN fact, i presume that is why Finnegan got his title shot when others didnt. In fact, it is not often Known, but Jeffries fought a six (from memory) round fight (not exhibition) against an unknown opponent the day before he fought Finnegan. I wonder why it is only the Finnegan fight that is seen as a title fight. I presume it is because Finnegan had backers who would post the money.

There is lots of talk (and controversy) always about Langford and Co having secured purses against Johnson, but i never really read about Johnson doing the same. In fact, if i am not mistaken, wasnt the protocol of the time (it certainly was at the start of Jeffries reign) for any challenger to post 500 forfeit money with the california athletic company, and then for negotiations to commence. I know the papers are talking always about this happening in the earlier days and the champion having so long to accept before forfeiting his title. If this is the case, did Johnson every post such monies or try to?

 

McCarty's draw with Grim was called a draw only because McCarty had hit Grim after the bell in round 8 and Grim refused to continue. The referee was inexperienced. Perhaps it could have been called a Grim victory on a foul or a McCarty ko for Grim refusing to continue the fight. McCarty was only in his second pro fight and Grim though the much smaller man was much more experienced in at least his 48th fight but likely had many more fights than this. The results of the fight very from different sources. One eye witness Tommy Burns praised the young McCarty's performance. So who really knows.