Jack Johnson vs Harry Wills

Johnson did not think much of Wills ,I've never read Will's opinion of Jack. I pick Johnson, better skills.IMO.

 

Agree with McVey, have to go with Johnson proving himself at a higher level while clowning the opposition

 

This fight almost happened, but it would have been a post Willard Johnson vs a slightly pre prime Wills.

 

if memory serves he was banned from visiting his camp by blackburn as a result

 

The star of Wills continues to rise on this forum!

 

Why wouldn't it shine ? The man was a terrific fighter ducked by both Willard and Dempsey .. he fought the best fighters of his era that would fight him and over all had a terrific record. It's interesting how Dempsey fanatics write him off as "another big, slow guy " but it was the one big, slow guy they would not go near .. as far as head to head v.s. Johnson who knows on that one ...

 

I think Johnson, fit and focussed, takes this. He's quicker, probably stronger, and crafty. If Langford could reach that chin, so could Johnson.

 

Wills was rated verry highly while he was active, but got forgotten verry quickly when he fell from grace.

His fall from grace and recent renaisance are both curious events.

Why was he forgotten so quickly when he ceased to be the number one contender, and why was he so dramaticaly rediscovered a few years ago?

 

Tho effective and accomplished, he didn't real seem to capture the public or even boxing imagination in the way Dempsey and even Johnson did. Maybe it was his style or demeanor. I would love to see better footage of him than exists, that is footage from closer to his prime.