JOHNSON, JACK-JESS WILLARD ORIGINAL POST FIGHT POSTER (1915)

On April 5, 1915 in Havana, Cuba World Heavyweight Champion Jack Johnson fought Jess Willard. Under a grueling sun the two fought for 26 rounds when suddenly the giant Jess Willard stopped the aging Johnson with a hard straight right hand. Johnson later claimed to have thrown the fight, but most ring historians dismiss this claim. The fight was of great note. Offered here is an original poster issued immediately after this fight which makes note of the fighters, action during the fight, the venue and notables involved in making the fight.
This is an original post fight poster. It is entitled, "ONLY AUTHORISED SOUVENIR PICTURE OF PRINCIPALS, OFFICIALS AND INTERESTING INCIDENTS OF THE GREAT WORLD'S CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLE, BETWEEN JESS WILLARD AND JACK JOHNSON HAVANA, CUBA, APRIL 5, 1915. By White Studio of New York and promoter Jack Curley. Pictures the fight venue in Havana, the two fighters, facsimile signatures of the fighters and Jack Curley, pictures of the fighters in the ring and training camp and notables involved in the fight. Has two liquor advertisements glued to the lower right and left corners. Chip in top left corner. Has a number of small tack holes. Not creased. Images are bold. Some water marks at lower border. Edge, surface and corner wear. 19 3/4" x 24."