WILLARD, JESS CHAMPIONSHIP DISPLAY (1915)

Jess Willard, The Pottawatomie Giant, defeated Jack Johnson in Havana, Cuba on April 5, 1915 with a controversial KO in the 26th round to win the Heavyweight Title. He defended the title once before losing it to Jack Dempsey on July 4, 19191 in Toledo, Ohio. Offered here is a display of items relating to Willard's victory over Jack Johnson. First is sheet music by D.W.Cooper entitled Jess Willard The Hero Of The Day. Framed with two telegrams of congratulations, one with racial overtones and one from friends in Kansas.
The sheet music pictures Willard on the cover with a crown on his head. Minor soiling. No creases. Bold color. The telegrams are both dtaed right after the Johnson fight and sent to Willard in Cuba. One has a small piece missing on lower border. Clean. Framed to 19" x 27."