WILLARD, JESS REAL PHOTO POSTCARD (1915-TRAINING FOR JACK JOHNSON)

HISTORY: Jess Willard, born December 29, 1881 in St. Clere, Kansas in rural Pottawatomie County - died December 15, 1968 in Los Angeles, California, was a world Heavyweight boxing champion. A working cowboy, he did not begin boxing until he was almost thirty years old. Despite his late start, Jess Willard proved successful as a boxer, defeating top-ranked opponents to earn a chance to fight for the championship. On April 5, 1915 in front of a huge crowd at the Vedado Racetrack in Havana, Cuba, in the 26th round he knocked out champion Jack Johnson to win the World Heavyweight Boxing Championship. Presented here is a real photo post card depicting Jess Willard sparring at his training camp in Juarez, Mexico as he prepared for his fight with Jack Johnson.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is a real photo post card depicting Jess Willard sparring at his training camp in Juarez, Mexico as he prepared for his fight with Jack Johnson. Unused with notation on reverse in pencil. Slight soiling. Bold, clear image. AZO stamp on back. Not creased. Corner wear. 3 1/2" x 5 1/2." Rare, the only example we have seen.