Willard defeats Johnson in 1915, then has a 10 rounder vs Moran in 1916, and a 6 rounder vs Burke in 1916. Willard does not fight in 1917, and 1918. Does anyone know why? One would think after defeating Johnson, Willard would be an attraction.
Because he didn't actually like fighting and was able to make money in other ways using his new-found fame.
Though I dont know the reason if it was because of the War then the dates do sync up..America entered in about April 1917, the War ended in 1918, Willard was idle for both these years. Plus he was probably rolling in it after beating Johnson and Moran.
Because Jess Willard was a redneck cowboy who really wasn't too interested in the fight game, etc..... Also, he was touring with some rodeo / circus bullcrap riding horses and **** during his inactive title reign..:deal MR.BILL
Jess got himself a bloody great horse 18 hands or so and a big white stetson and gave exhibitions at rodeos and fairs, roping and riding.Willard was something of a reluctant fighter anyway ,he got into it because it looked a better proposition than bucking barley sacks for a living.His defence against Moran was pretty underwhelming he kept Frank at the end of his telegraph pole left ,and to hell with entertaining the crowd,people weren't exactly rushing to watch him.
america joined the war in 1917 and dint actually finish fighting till about 1920 because america didnt sign the armistance
Well I suppose that made up for their late entry,and the return match 1939 -1945[UK version] was no different :yep
Mainly because he could make more money outside the ring than in it. Most champions before Dempsey made more money on the stage or performing exhibitions for the circus, than they did in the ring. As long as you nominaly held the title people would pay to watch you do prety much anything. When the million dollar gates came in heavyweight champion became more of a full time ocupation.
The war did have a little bit to do with Willard not fighting. He was a reluctant champion to be sure but he was also roundly criticized for not joining the war effort and it was said that if he couldnt fight for his country then he shouldnt fight for profit. It also didnt hurt that he had Fred Fulton camping on his trail and Willard wanted no part of Fulton.
