JO Sports Inc.
HISTORY: On March 25, 1916 at Madison Square Garden in New York world heavyweight champion Jess Willard defended his title against Frank Moran. Willard won a ten round decision. Tex Rickard's debut as a New York promoter. This match was originally scheduled for New Orleans, but the promotion fell apart over personal differences, and the fact that promoter Tommy Burns had doubts the public would buy a 10 round No Decision title fight. Willard explained his failure to kayo Moran by saying he had broken all the bones in his right hand in the third round, but Dr. Lewis Morris examined the champion after the bout and said Willard had a slight fracture of the joint of his right index finger. Most papers gave Willard almost every round. Gate receipts were announced at $151,254. Willard received his guaranteed $47,500, Moran $23,750. Willard was said to have signed a contract with a circus worth $150,000. Both wore seven ounce gloves. Offered here is a rare, original, Police Gazette from April 8, 1916 which covered this event.
FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original Police Gazette from April 8, 1916 picturing Jess Willard on the cover. 16 pages complete including covers and has coverage of the fight indicating Willard, despite winning, broke his hand during the fight. Clean inside and out. Tight binding. Not creased or torn. Minor edge wear. A fine exampe and rare. 11 /4" x 16 1/4."
