JOHNSON, JACK-JAMES JEFFRIES ORIGINAL PRESS CORP PHOTOGRAPH (1910)

On July 4, 1910 Jack Johnson successfully defended his heavyweight title against Jim Jeffries, the former champion. Jeffries had retired undefeated champion after his last fight in 1904. Encouraged greatly by a racist public eager to get rid of Jack Johnson, Jeffries agreed to fight Johnson, but age and an almost six year lay-off, coupled with Johnson's great skill and youth proved to be too much. Jeffries was easily defeated in a one sided match. Presented here is an original, first generation photograph depicting the press corp which assembled for the Johnson-Jeffries fight. At the time this was the largest assembly of newspaper reporters to report on a fight. Author and writer Jack London is pictured.
This is an original, first generation photograph. Bold, clear image. Front is clean. Back has some paper residue from mounting. Not creased or torn. Described at top of photo in fountain pen, "Largest crowd of Newspaper Reporters ever assembled to report Jeffries & Johnson fight, July 1910 From all parts of world Reno, Nev." Minor edge and corner wear. 4 3/4" x 6 3/4."