SULLIVAN, TIM ORIGINAL ANTIQUE PHOTO (1910-STAKEHOLDER FOR JOHNSON-JEFFRIES FIGHT)

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 stakeholder Tim Sullivan (at center) and other dignitaries in the ring before the beginning of the fight. Sullivan was one person that both Jeffries and Johnson felt safe to hold the stakes. Reliable then but a couple of years later he was put into a mental asylum and a year after that he was dead from a possible suicide.
This is an original, first generation photograph. Bold, clear image. Labeled on back in pencil. Small crease at lower right corner. Minor corner wear. Clean with no staining. 5" x 7."