WILLARD, JESS-FRANK MORAN ORIGINAL GLASS NEGATIVE COLLECTION OF 16 (1916)

On March 25, 1916 at Madison Square Garden in New York world heavyweight champion Jess Willard defended his title against Frank Moran. Willard won a ten round decision. Tex Rickard's debut as a New York promoter. This match was originally scheduled for New Orleans, but the promotion fell apart over personal differences, and the fact that promoter Tommy Burns had doubts the public would buy a 10 round No Decision title fight. Willard explained his failure to kayo Moran by saying he had broken all the bones in his right hand in the third round, but Dr. Lewis Morris examined the champion after the bout and said Willard had a slight fracture of the joint of his right index finger. Most papers gave Willard almost every round. Gate receipts were announced at $151,254. Willard received his guaranteed $47,500, Moran $23,750. Willard was said to have signed a contract with a circus worth $150,000. Both wore seven ounce gloves. Offered here are 16 original glass negatives depicting various shots associated with this fight.
These are 16 original glass negatives. 11 are actually fight scenes. The other 5 are posed shots of the fighters, one of Willard, two of Moran, one of the two shaking hands before the fight and one of manager Tom Jones. One slide has a crack, but is still intact. Not scratched. 3 1/4" x 4." Exceedingly rare.