Here is a link showing Jack Johnson challenging Jeffries in 1904. Johnson had just kod Denver Ed Martin so completely there were fears he had killed him. The ko blow is described as lifting Martin ", two feet in the air ". Johnson is referred to as "the only logical candidate for the championship". http://www.fultonhistory.com/Proces....pdf/Utica NY Herald Dispatch 1904 - 0514.PDF
Why would that be? Hart had just drawn with 6-3-2 John Wille and was described as "lucky to get the decision" he had recently drawn with Gardner whom Johnson had outclassed, and previously been beaten by Gardner. A couple of months into 1905 Hart was the beneficiary of a robbery decision over Sandy Ferguson, who knocked him down, and beat the snot out of him,only to have the referee give as his excuse for awarding the decision to Hart,he did most of the leading,sound familiar? Johnson toyed with Ferguson 5 times, Ferguson fouling out in their last encounter
This isn't the first time I've read Johnson claiming to have KO'd George Gardner. All the sources I've seen show Johnson taking a 20-round decision. Anyone read anywhere (aside from Johnson's say so) that Jack scored a KO over Gardner? A 2 round KO over Martin is nice. Martin may not have been the sturdiest guy, but his footwork was highly praised, so getting to an experienced, moble and reachy guy in such short order is impressive.
I've read the ringside reports and Johnson made Gardner look silly, but he was there at the end of the 20rds Johnson did drop him twice ,but he lasted the route..
