DEMPSEY, JACK-JESS WILLARD ORIGINAL PHOTO (1919-PRE FIGHT SMALL PANORAMA)

On July 4,1919 on a blazing hot day in Toledo, Ohio Jack Dempsey ushered in a new era in boxing with his devastating victory over Jess Willard, then Heavyweight Champion. As America was at the dawn of the exciting "roaring 20's" it had a new and exciting champion to go with it, Jack Dempsey. The motion picture film of the fight was censored and not shown for twenty years. Offered here is an original, first generation photograph which depicts Dempsey seated in his corner with Willard visiting it just before the fight began. Also shown are Dempsey trainer, Jimmy DeForest, Dempsey manager, Jack Kearns, Walter Monaghan and promoter Tex Rickard.
This is an original, first generation photograph. Bold, clear image. Clean with no staining. Mild fold at left edge. Minor corner wear. Date stamped 1919 on reverse. 7" x 10." Rare, the only example of this photograph we have seen.