Willard -vs- Johnson. Rare post fight footage.

Perhaps Johnson took Willard lightly, but Johnson had seen him train before and was impressed with him. And even asked him to spar.

 

The newspapers suggest Willard had barely landed a half dozen punches over the first 20 rounds. Not exactly a close fight. And certainly not a fix.

 

I commend the objectivity of this post.

 

Matt Hinkle, the alternate ref for the fight, was quoted as saying the following by the Cleveland Gazette...

"I kept track of the good punches Willard landed and they can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Johnson staved off defeat for 25 rounds by the cleverest ring generalship I ever saw. He hit Willard almost as he pleased but couldn't hurt the giant white man much. On the other hand Jack brushed aside most Willard's punches iwth his hands or arms. Neither fighter looked to be in shape to go 25 rounds, mush 45. I can't understand how they stood up as long as they did. Willard's flesh was flabby. Johnson was fat."

Interesting that he didn't see Willard hit Johnson cleanly but a few times. Also of interest is his contention that Willard was out of shape.

 

Which highlights video are you watching Mendoza with Willard landing all these bombs? Link me to this video showing Willard winning all these rounds. Klompton, who's probably seen the most footage of this fight doesn't seem to have the same take as you, so I'd like to see this video showing what you claim

 

He wasn't a pressguy, genius. He was the alternate referee for the fight who was being interviewed by a press guy. Being a ref, I nalvely assume he understood what he was watching.

 

The ref stated that after 20 rounds he would have given the bout to Johnson. Fleischer gives a detailed account of the fight also stating that it was all Johnson until after round 20. Johnson was the master of blocking and parries. Most all Willards jabs were parried at the last second and did not land. Other punches were blocked.

 

Johnson was safe all the time his stamina held out.Johnson hurt Willard early on, but he couldnt hurt him enough and when he knew late on he didn't have the strength to stop him ,he also knew he was going to lose.Barney Curley picked Willard as the challenger because he reasoned he was a giant, strong as an ox ,very durable and had a powerful punch,this gave him the inside track over the other White Hopes. Johnson was still Willard's master over 20 rds,after that his strength began to ebb.

 

Fleischer spent most of his time with Willard in Havana. He summed up Jess's strategy in detail. Expect offensive rushes from Johnson and back away from them standing straight up. Let Johnson exhaust himself and THEN turn on the offense. This point occurred around round 20. Johnson visibly tired, Willards trainers gave Jess the go ahead to press the advantage and Jess did just that. Suggest you watch the early going very closely as Johnson was exhibiting a near impenetrable defense.

 

Willard didn't look flabby.
He looked like a beast.

http://media.gettyimages.com/photos...hampionship-fight-between-picture-id159119466
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/eb/ea/b6/ebeab63209ce5373ae0272a73ca5e1ea.jpg
http://www.josportsinc.com/item_images/1333195833.jpg


And when you say Willard landed half a dozen punches, there is exaggeration implied right?

 

I didn't say it. A ref who was at the fight said it.

Willard looks like an old Robert Mitchum, sucking in his gut with skinny guy arms. Or like Tyson Fury in other words.