Boxing, Jack Dempsey vs Jess Willard (historical boxing fight) <br />Jess Willard vs. Jack Dempsey was a professional boxing match contested on July 4, 1919, for the world heavyweight championship.[1] <br /><br />Background <br />Since stopping Jack Johnson to win the world heavyweight championship in April 1915, Jess Willard had made just a single defence of the title, defeating Frank Moran in March 1916, at Madison Square Garden. A July 1918 bout with top contender Fred Fulton was called off due to the United States' continued involvement in the First World War.[2][3][4] <br /><br />Meanwhile Jack Dempsey had been building his reputation with a series of knockout victories, including a 1st round stoppage of Fulton in July 1918 made him the leading contender for the title.[5][6] <br /><br />On 10 February 1919, the two men signed to fight on 4 July, with Tex Rickard promoting the bout.[7] In May the venue was confirmed as Toledo, Ohio.[8] <br /><br />By the day of fight, Dempsey had fought 51 times since Willard's last bout. Despite this Willard was a 6 to 5 favourite to win.[9] <br /><br />The fight <br /><br />#JackDempsey #Boxing
