Jack Johnson vs. James J. Jeffries - Revision history

Ric at 03:56, 6 June 2022

2022-06-06T03:56:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:56, 6 June 2022
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	[[File:Johnson~~-Jeffries~~.~~jpg~~\|right]]		[[File:Jeffries-Johnson.JPG\|right\|600px]]
	<fight>18983</fight>		<fight>18983</fight>
	*'''Timekeeper:''' [[George Harting]]		*'''Timekeeper:''' [[George Harting]]

Ric: Tex Rickard quote added

2022-06-02T18:11:58Z

Tex Rickard quote added

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:11, 2 June 2022
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	== Quotes ==		== Quotes ==
	*"But one thing now remains, Jim Jeffries must now emerge from his alfalfa farm and remove that golden smile from Jack Johnson’s face. Jeff, it’s up to you. The white man must be rescued." - Novelist Jack London after Johnson won the title		*"But one thing now remains, Jim Jeffries must now emerge from his alfalfa farm and remove that golden smile from Jack Johnson’s face. Jeff, it’s up to you. The white man must be rescued." - Novelist Jack London after Johnson had won the title in 1908.
	*"I am going into this fight for the sole purpose of proving that a white man is better than a Negro." - Jim Jeffries before the fight		*"I am going into this fight for the sole purpose of proving that a white man is better than a Negro." - Jim Jeffries before the fight
	*Jeff is too old and cannot get into condition to fight anybody. He’s all in, and nobody knows it better than himself. He can never get into his former good trim." - Jack Johnson before the fight		*Jeff is too old and cannot get into condition to fight anybody. He’s all in, and nobody knows it better than himself. He can never get into his former good trim." - Jack Johnson before the fight
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	*"I could never have whipped Johnson at my best. I couldn't have hit him. No, I couldn't have reached him in 1,000 years." - Jim Jeffries after the fight		*"I could never have whipped Johnson at my best. I couldn't have hit him. No, I couldn't have reached him in 1,000 years." - Jim Jeffries after the fight
	*"I won from Mr. Jeffries because I outclassed him in every department of the fighting game. Before I entered the ring I was certain I would be the victor. I never changed my mind at any time." - Jack Johnson after the fight		*"I won from Mr. Jeffries because I outclassed him in every department of the fighting game. Before I entered the ring I was certain I would be the victor. I never changed my mind at any time." - Jack Johnson after the fight
			*"Oh, for a man who can beat Jack Johnson, a white man. It will be worth a cool million to the man who can produce him." Tex Rickard, per the Jan. 2, 1912 ''Newark Evening Star'': [https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn91064011/1912-01-02/ed-1/seq-14/]

	== External Links ==		== External Links ==

Ric: linked to 2010 law journal article; Corbett also present

2022-06-02T00:05:55Z

linked to 2010 law journal article; Corbett also present

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:05, 2 June 2022
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	*[[Ed (Gunboat) Smith]], who boxed an exhibition with Johnson in 1909, told author Peter Heller, "Jeffries didn't think he could win on the level. He thought it was all fixed." Smith said Johnson informed Jeffries the night before the fight that he wasn't going to take a dive, and Jeffries "didn't sleep all night."		*[[Ed (Gunboat) Smith]], who boxed an exhibition with Johnson in 1909, told author Peter Heller, "Jeffries didn't think he could win on the level. He thought it was all fixed." Smith said Johnson informed Jeffries the night before the fight that he wasn't going to take a dive, and Jeffries "didn't sleep all night."
	*This was the first time an arena was constructed for one single fight. Attendance was 15,760.		*This was the first time an arena was constructed for one single fight. Attendance was 15,760.
	*[[John L. Sullivan]], [[Bob Fitzsimmons]] [[Tommy Burns]], [[Tom Sharkey]], [[Jake Kilrain]], [[Sam Langford]], [[Philadelphia Jack O'Brien]] and [[Abe Attell]] were introduced to the crowd.		*[[John L. Sullivan]], [[Bob Fitzsimmons]] [[Tommy Burns]], [[Tom Sharkey]], [[Jake Kilrain]], [[Sam Langford]], [[Philadelphia Jack O'Brien]] and [[Abe Attell]] were introduced to the crowd. (Former champion [[James J. Corbett]] was also present. See: [https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn91064011/1912-01-16/ed-1/seq-12/])
	*Tex Rickard refereed the fight. United States President William Howard Taft and writer Arthur Conan Doyle declined Rickard's telegraphed offers to referee.		*Tex Rickard refereed the fight. United States President William Howard Taft and writer Arthur Conan Doyle declined Rickard's telegraphed offers to referee.
	*In Chicago, some 10,000 people, mostly white, gathered outside the Tribune building to listen to a man on a megaphone read bulletins from the fight. Black fans, meanwhile, went to the Pekin theater where Johnson’s mother, Mrs. Tiny Johnson, got updates on the fights. In New York, about 30,000 people stood in Times Square to watch the newspaper's new automated device spit out the news.		*In Chicago, some 10,000 people, mostly white, gathered outside the Tribune building to listen to a man on a megaphone read bulletins from the fight. Black fans, meanwhile, went to the Pekin theater where Johnson’s mother, Mrs. Tiny Johnson, got updates on the fights. In New York, about 30,000 people stood in Times Square to watch the newspaper's new automated device spit out the news.
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	*"Great White Hope: Not Great, No Hope" ''New York Times'', July 3, 2010: [http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/04/sports/othersports/04boxing.html]		*"Great White Hope: Not Great, No Hope" ''New York Times'', July 3, 2010: [http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/04/sports/othersports/04boxing.html]
	*Fight Highlights on YouTube: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnMJL36_oCs]		*Fight Highlights on YouTube: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnMJL36_oCs]
			*''The Johnson-Jeffries Fight and Censorship of Black Supremency'' (2010): [https://www.law.nyu.edu/sites/default/files/ECM_PRO_066938.pdf]

Ric: term "White Hope" coined by the result

2022-05-13T02:49:00Z

term "White Hope" coined by the result

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:49, 13 May 2022
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	*'''World Heavyweight Title''' (5th defense by Johnson)		*'''World Heavyweight Title''' (5th defense by Johnson)
	*[[:File:Jeffries-Johnson.JPG\|Photo #2]], [[:File:Jeffries-Johnson2.JPG\|Photo #3]], [[:File:JeffriesJack.jpg\|Photo #4]], [[:File:JeffriesDown.jpg\|Photo #5]], [[:File:JeffJack2.png\|Photo #6]]		*[[:File:Jeffries-Johnson.JPG\|Photo #2]], [[:File:Jeffries-Johnson2.JPG\|Photo #3]], [[:File:JeffriesJack.jpg\|Photo #4]], [[:File:JeffriesDown.jpg\|Photo #5]], [[:File:JeffJack2.png\|Photo #6]]
			*The term "[[White Hope]]" is then coined.

	==Notes==		==Notes==

Cap: /* Notes */

2018-11-17T20:13:11Z

Notes

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:13, 17 November 2018
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	*In New Orleans, a black man who shouted "Hurrah for Johnson" was severely beaten by whites before police came to his rescue. In Houston, a black man named Charles Williams had his throat slashed ear to ear by a white man for cheering for Johnson on a streetcar. A mob of 200 whites chased blacks off the sidewalks in Washington. In Cincinnati, several hundred whites ran after a black who made a comment they found offensive. In Clarksburg, West Virginia, whites were so angry at the triumphant shouting of blacks that they formed a 1,000-man posse to chase all blacks off the streets, including one who was led about with a rope around his neck. Scattered rioting occurred in most major cities. The next day, the ''Chicago Daily Tribune'' counted at least 11 dead around the country, with scores of others injured. The ''New York Times'' listed 10 deaths.		*In New Orleans, a black man who shouted "Hurrah for Johnson" was severely beaten by whites before police came to his rescue. In Houston, a black man named Charles Williams had his throat slashed ear to ear by a white man for cheering for Johnson on a streetcar. A mob of 200 whites chased blacks off the sidewalks in Washington. In Cincinnati, several hundred whites ran after a black who made a comment they found offensive. In Clarksburg, West Virginia, whites were so angry at the triumphant shouting of blacks that they formed a 1,000-man posse to chase all blacks off the streets, including one who was led about with a rope around his neck. Scattered rioting occurred in most major cities. The next day, the ''Chicago Daily Tribune'' counted at least 11 dead around the country, with scores of others injured. The ''New York Times'' listed 10 deaths.
	*Promoters had planned to show films of the fight in theaters, but a black man winning complicated things. The powerful Christian Endeavor Society campaigned for a ban and mayors in Cincinnati, Atlanta and Boston quickly agreed. The police chief in Washington also banned the films, fearing "the display of pictures would affect the minds of children and also renew the hostile feeling on the part of many white men." Congress passed legislation in 1912 banning the interstate transport of fight films. It was repealed in 1939.		*Promoters had planned to show films of the fight in theaters, but a black man winning complicated things. The powerful Christian Endeavor Society campaigned for a ban and mayors in Cincinnati, Atlanta and Boston quickly agreed. The police chief in Washington also banned the films, fearing "the display of pictures would affect the minds of children and also renew the hostile feeling on the part of many white men." Congress passed legislation in 1912 banning the interstate transport of fight films. It was repealed in 1939.
			*''Los Angeles Herald'' headline read: "Experts Declare Battle Was Not Championship Contest - Think Burns Made Far Superior Showing Against Negro and That Johnson Merely Played With Opponent From Tap of Gong to Finish".
	*In his 1929 autobiography, Jeffries argued that he had been doped before the fight by a turncoat in his camp, but his story was discounted.		*In his 1929 autobiography, Jeffries argued that he had been doped before the fight by a turncoat in his camp, but his story was discounted.

Wouter: Reverted edits by Wouter (talk) to last revision by Boxsoup

2016-06-13T09:31:37Z

Reverted edits by Wouter (talk) to last revision by Boxsoup

Wouter: reverted needless edit

2016-06-13T09:30:35Z

reverted needless edit

Boxsoup at 21:01, 1 April 2016

2016-04-01T21:01:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:01, 1 April 2016
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	*'''Timekeeper:''' [[George Harting]]		*'''Timekeeper:''' [[George Harting]]
	*'''Announcer:''' [[Billy Jordan]]		*'''Announcer:''' [[Billy Jordan]]
	*'''World Heavyweight Title''' (Johnson ~~defending~~)		*'''World Heavyweight Title''' (5th defense by Johnson)
	*[[:File:Jeffries-Johnson.JPG\|Photo #2]], [[:File:Jeffries-Johnson2.JPG\|Photo #3]], [[:File:JeffriesJack.jpg\|Photo #4]], [[:File:JeffriesDown.jpg\|Photo #5]], [[:File:JeffJack2.png\|Photo #6]]		*[[:File:Jeffries-Johnson.JPG\|Photo #2]], [[:File:Jeffries-Johnson2.JPG\|Photo #3]], [[:File:JeffriesJack.jpg\|Photo #4]], [[:File:JeffriesDown.jpg\|Photo #5]], [[:File:JeffJack2.png\|Photo #6]]

Ric at 01:20, 22 June 2015

2015-06-22T01:20:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:20, 22 June 2015
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	==Notes==		==Notes==
	*Billed by promoter [[Tex Rickard]] as "[[The Fight of the Century]]" (the second time he used that label: [http://www.boxing.com/fights_of_the_centurythenand_now.html])		*Billed by promoter [[Tex Rickard]] as "[[The Fight of the Century]]" (the second time he had used that label: [http://www.boxing.com/fights_of_the_centurythenand_now.html])
	*Jack Johnson became the [[World Colored Heavyweight Championship\|Colored Heavyweight Champion of the World]] in 1903. However, unsatisfied with his accomplishment, Johnson entered the San Francisco saloon owned and operated by the [[World Heavyweight Champion]], James J. Jeffries, and challenged Jeffries to defend his title against him. Jeffries refused Johnson’s challenge and explained: “I won’t meet you in the ring because you’ve got no name and we won’t draw flies. But I’ll go downstairs to the cellar with you and lock the door from the inside. And the one who comes out with the key will be the champ.” When Johnson expressed doubt about Jeffries’ sincerity, Jeffries assured him that he was serious and that he was prepared to fight him immediately. Johnson reportedly turned and walked away.		*Jack Johnson became the [[World Colored Heavyweight Championship\|Colored Heavyweight Champion of the World]] in 1903. However, unsatisfied with his accomplishment, Johnson entered the San Francisco saloon owned and operated by the [[World Heavyweight Champion]], James J. Jeffries, and challenged Jeffries to defend his title against him. Jeffries refused Johnson’s challenge and explained: “I won’t meet you in the ring because you’ve got no name and we won’t draw flies. But I’ll go downstairs to the cellar with you and lock the door from the inside. And the one who comes out with the key will be the champ.” When Johnson expressed doubt about Jeffries’ sincerity, Jeffries assured him that he was serious and that he was prepared to fight him immediately. Johnson reportedly turned and walked away.
	*After Johnson won the decision over [[Tommy Burns]] to win the World Heavyweight Championship on December 26, 1908, Jeffries was persuaded to come out of retirement to fight Johnson. Jeffries had not fought since August 1904,almost six years previously, and his weight had ballooned to over 300 pounds.		*After Johnson won the decision over [[Tommy Burns]] to win the World Heavyweight Championship on December 26, 1908, Jeffries was persuaded to come out of retirement to fight Johnson. Jeffries had not fought since August 1904, almost six years previously, and his weight had ballooned to over 300 pounds.
	*The purse was $101,000. Originally, the winner was to get 75% and the loser 25%. Five days before the fight, Johnson proposed changing it to an even 50/50 split. Jeffries suggested a 60/40 split, which Johnson accepted. Each fighter was given a $10,~~0000~~ signing bonus. Jeffries was given $66,666 for movie rights and Johnson was given $50,000.		*The purse was $101,000. Originally, the winner was to get 75% and the loser 25%. Five days before the fight, Johnson proposed changing it to an even 50/50 split. Jeffries suggested a 60/40 split, which Johnson accepted. Each fighter was given a $10,000 signing bonus. Jeffries was given $66,666 for movie rights and Johnson was given $50,000.
	*Jeffries opened as a 10-7 favorite. Odds climbed as high as 2½-1 for Jeffries.		*Jeffries opened as a 10-7 favorite. Odds climbed as high as 2½-1 for Jeffries.
	*The fight was to take place in San Francisco, until California's governor, James Gillett, stepped in with less than three weeks to go. Boxing was still banned in many states, and church groups had pressured him to stop it on moral and religious grounds. Promoter [[Tex Rickard]] acted swiftly and moved the bout to Reno, where prizefighting was legal and several east-west railroads met.		*The fight was to take place in San Francisco, until California's governor, James Gillett, stepped in with less than three weeks to go. Boxing was still banned in many states, and church groups had pressured him to stop it on moral and religious grounds. Promoter [[Tex Rickard]] acted swiftly and moved the bout to Reno, where prizefighting was legal and several east-west railroads met.

Ric: Another "Fight of the Century"

2015-06-20T14:55:09Z

Another "Fight of the Century"

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:55, 20 June 2015
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	==Notes==		==Notes==
			*Billed by promoter [[Tex Rickard]] as "[[The Fight of the Century]]" (the second time he used that label: [http://www.boxing.com/fights_of_the_centurythenand_now.html])
	*Jack Johnson became the [[World Colored Heavyweight Championship\|Colored Heavyweight Champion of the World]] in 1903. However, unsatisfied with his accomplishment, Johnson entered the San Francisco saloon owned and operated by the [[World Heavyweight Champion]], James J. Jeffries, and challenged Jeffries to defend his title against him. Jeffries refused Johnson’s challenge and explained: “I won’t meet you in the ring because you’ve got no name and we won’t draw flies. But I’ll go downstairs to the cellar with you and lock the door from the inside. And the one who comes out with the key will be the champ.” When Johnson expressed doubt about Jeffries’ sincerity, Jeffries assured him that he was serious and that he was prepared to fight him immediately. Johnson reportedly turned and walked away.		*Jack Johnson became the [[World Colored Heavyweight Championship\|Colored Heavyweight Champion of the World]] in 1903. However, unsatisfied with his accomplishment, Johnson entered the San Francisco saloon owned and operated by the [[World Heavyweight Champion]], James J. Jeffries, and challenged Jeffries to defend his title against him. Jeffries refused Johnson’s challenge and explained: “I won’t meet you in the ring because you’ve got no name and we won’t draw flies. But I’ll go downstairs to the cellar with you and lock the door from the inside. And the one who comes out with the key will be the champ.” When Johnson expressed doubt about Jeffries’ sincerity, Jeffries assured him that he was serious and that he was prepared to fight him immediately. Johnson reportedly turned and walked away.
	*After Johnson won the decision over [[Tommy Burns]] to win the World Heavyweight Championship on December 26, 1908, Jeffries was persuaded to come out of retirement to fight Johnson. Jeffries had not fought since August 1904,almost six years previously, and his weight had ballooned to over 300 pounds.		*After Johnson won the decision over [[Tommy Burns]] to win the World Heavyweight Championship on December 26, 1908, Jeffries was persuaded to come out of retirement to fight Johnson. Jeffries had not fought since August 1904,almost six years previously, and his weight had ballooned to over 300 pounds.

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:31, 13 June 2016
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	*'''Timekeeper:''' [[George Harting]]		*'''Timekeeper:''' [[George Harting]]
	*'''Announcer:''' [[Billy Jordan]]		*'''Announcer:''' [[Billy Jordan]]
	*'''World Heavyweight Title''' (Johnson ~~defending~~)		*'''World Heavyweight Title''' (5th defense by Johnson)
	*[[:File:Jeffries-Johnson.JPG\|Photo #2]], [[:File:Jeffries-Johnson2.JPG\|Photo #3]], [[:File:JeffriesJack.jpg\|Photo #4]], [[:File:JeffriesDown.jpg\|Photo #5]], [[:File:JeffJack2.png\|Photo #6]]		*[[:File:Jeffries-Johnson.JPG\|Photo #2]], [[:File:Jeffries-Johnson2.JPG\|Photo #3]], [[:File:JeffriesJack.jpg\|Photo #4]], [[:File:JeffriesDown.jpg\|Photo #5]], [[:File:JeffJack2.png\|Photo #6]]

	==Notes==		==Notes==
			*Billed by promoter [[Tex Rickard]] as "[[The Fight of the Century]]" (the second time he had used that label: [http://www.boxing.com/fights_of_the_centurythenand_now.html])
	*Jack Johnson became the [[World Colored Heavyweight Championship\|Colored Heavyweight Champion of the World]] in 1903. However, unsatisfied with his accomplishment, Johnson entered the San Francisco saloon owned and operated by the [[World Heavyweight Champion]], James J. Jeffries, and challenged Jeffries to defend his title against him. Jeffries refused Johnson’s challenge and explained: “I won’t meet you in the ring because you’ve got no name and we won’t draw flies. But I’ll go downstairs to the cellar with you and lock the door from the inside. And the one who comes out with the key will be the champ.” When Johnson expressed doubt about Jeffries’ sincerity, Jeffries assured him that he was serious and that he was prepared to fight him immediately. Johnson reportedly turned and walked away.		*Jack Johnson became the [[World Colored Heavyweight Championship\|Colored Heavyweight Champion of the World]] in 1903. However, unsatisfied with his accomplishment, Johnson entered the San Francisco saloon owned and operated by the [[World Heavyweight Champion]], James J. Jeffries, and challenged Jeffries to defend his title against him. Jeffries refused Johnson’s challenge and explained: “I won’t meet you in the ring because you’ve got no name and we won’t draw flies. But I’ll go downstairs to the cellar with you and lock the door from the inside. And the one who comes out with the key will be the champ.” When Johnson expressed doubt about Jeffries’ sincerity, Jeffries assured him that he was serious and that he was prepared to fight him immediately. Johnson reportedly turned and walked away.
	*After Johnson won the decision over [[Tommy Burns]] to win the World Heavyweight Championship on December 26, 1908, Jeffries was persuaded to come out of retirement to fight Johnson. Jeffries had not fought since 1904 and his weight had ballooned to ~~almost~~ 300 pounds.		*After Johnson won the decision over [[Tommy Burns]] to win the World Heavyweight Championship on December 26, 1908, Jeffries was persuaded to come out of retirement to fight Johnson. Jeffries had not fought since August 1904, almost six years previously, and his weight had ballooned to over 300 pounds.
	*The purse was $101,000. Originally, the winner was to get 75% and the loser 25%. Five days before the fight, Johnson proposed changing it to an even 50/50 split. Jeffries suggested a 60/40 split, which Johnson accepted. Each fighter was given a $10,~~0000~~ signing bonus. Jeffries was given $66,666 for movie rights and Johnson was given $50,000.		*The purse was $101,000. Originally, the winner was to get 75% and the loser 25%. Five days before the fight, Johnson proposed changing it to an even 50/50 split. Jeffries suggested a 60/40 split, which Johnson accepted. Each fighter was given a $10,000 signing bonus. Jeffries was given $66,666 for movie rights and Johnson was given $50,000.
	*Jeffries opened as a 10-7 favorite. Odds climbed as high as 2½-1 for Jeffries.		*Jeffries opened as a 10-7 favorite. Odds climbed as high as 2½-1 for Jeffries.
	*The fight was to take place in San Francisco, until California's governor, James Gillett, stepped in with less than three weeks to go. Boxing was still banned in many states, and church groups had pressured him to stop it on moral and religious grounds. Promoter [[Tex Rickard]] acted swiftly and moved the bout to Reno, where prizefighting was legal and several east-west railroads met.		*The fight was to take place in San Francisco, until California's governor, James Gillett, stepped in with less than three weeks to go. Boxing was still banned in many states, and church groups had pressured him to stop it on moral and religious grounds. Promoter [[Tex Rickard]] acted swiftly and moved the bout to Reno, where prizefighting was legal and several east-west railroads met.
	*There were rumors of a fix, and Nevada Governor Denver Dickerson demanded an assurance from Rickard that the fight be fair, not fixed.		*There were rumors of a fix, and Nevada Governor Denver Dickerson demanded an assurance from Rickard that the fight be fair, not fixed.
	*~~Boxing historian~~ [[Bert Sugar]] wrote: "When the fight moved from California to Nevada, the 'arrangement' that Jeffries would win was called off. Johnson had sent him word that he was no longer bound by the secret prefight agreement to 'go in the tank.' Now it was 'best man wins,' and Jeff knew before he entered the ring that Johnson was that best man."		*Noted storyteller [[Bert Sugar]] wrote: "When the fight moved from California to Nevada, the 'arrangement' that Jeffries would win was called off. Johnson had sent him word that he was no longer bound by the secret prefight agreement to 'go in the tank.' Now it was 'best man wins,' and Jeff knew before he entered the ring that Johnson was that best man." [There is no hard evidence to support this tale.]
	*[[Ed (Gunboat) Smith]], who boxed an exhibition with Johnson in 1909, told author Peter Heller, "Jeffries didn't think he could win on the level. He thought it was all fixed." Smith said Johnson informed Jeffries the night before the fight that he wasn't going to take a dive, and Jeffries "didn't sleep all night."		*[[Ed (Gunboat) Smith]], who boxed an exhibition with Johnson in 1909, told author Peter Heller, "Jeffries didn't think he could win on the level. He thought it was all fixed." Smith said Johnson informed Jeffries the night before the fight that he wasn't going to take a dive, and Jeffries "didn't sleep all night."
	*This was the first time an arena was constructed for one single fight. Attendance was 15,760.		*This was the first time an arena was constructed for one single fight. Attendance was 15,760.

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:30, 13 June 2016
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	*'''Timekeeper:''' [[George Harting]]		*'''Timekeeper:''' [[George Harting]]
	*'''Announcer:''' [[Billy Jordan]]		*'''Announcer:''' [[Billy Jordan]]
	*'''World Heavyweight Title''' (~~5th defense by~~ Johnson)		*'''World Heavyweight Title''' (Johnson defending)
	*[[:File:Jeffries-Johnson.JPG\|Photo #2]], [[:File:Jeffries-Johnson2.JPG\|Photo #3]], [[:File:JeffriesJack.jpg\|Photo #4]], [[:File:JeffriesDown.jpg\|Photo #5]], [[:File:JeffJack2.png\|Photo #6]]		*[[:File:Jeffries-Johnson.JPG\|Photo #2]], [[:File:Jeffries-Johnson2.JPG\|Photo #3]], [[:File:JeffriesJack.jpg\|Photo #4]], [[:File:JeffriesDown.jpg\|Photo #5]], [[:File:JeffJack2.png\|Photo #6]]

	==Notes==		==Notes==
	*Billed by promoter [[Tex Rickard]] as "[[The Fight of the Century]]" (the second time he had used that label: [http://www.boxing.com/fights_of_the_centurythenand_now.html])
	*Jack Johnson became the [[World Colored Heavyweight Championship\|Colored Heavyweight Champion of the World]] in 1903. However, unsatisfied with his accomplishment, Johnson entered the San Francisco saloon owned and operated by the [[World Heavyweight Champion]], James J. Jeffries, and challenged Jeffries to defend his title against him. Jeffries refused Johnson’s challenge and explained: “I won’t meet you in the ring because you’ve got no name and we won’t draw flies. But I’ll go downstairs to the cellar with you and lock the door from the inside. And the one who comes out with the key will be the champ.” When Johnson expressed doubt about Jeffries’ sincerity, Jeffries assured him that he was serious and that he was prepared to fight him immediately. Johnson reportedly turned and walked away.		*Jack Johnson became the [[World Colored Heavyweight Championship\|Colored Heavyweight Champion of the World]] in 1903. However, unsatisfied with his accomplishment, Johnson entered the San Francisco saloon owned and operated by the [[World Heavyweight Champion]], James J. Jeffries, and challenged Jeffries to defend his title against him. Jeffries refused Johnson’s challenge and explained: “I won’t meet you in the ring because you’ve got no name and we won’t draw flies. But I’ll go downstairs to the cellar with you and lock the door from the inside. And the one who comes out with the key will be the champ.” When Johnson expressed doubt about Jeffries’ sincerity, Jeffries assured him that he was serious and that he was prepared to fight him immediately. Johnson reportedly turned and walked away.
	*After Johnson won the decision over [[Tommy Burns]] to win the World Heavyweight Championship on December 26, 1908, Jeffries was persuaded to come out of retirement to fight Johnson. Jeffries had not fought since ~~August~~ 1904~~, almost six years previously,~~ and his weight had ballooned to ~~over~~ 300 pounds.		*After Johnson won the decision over [[Tommy Burns]] to win the World Heavyweight Championship on December 26, 1908, Jeffries was persuaded to come out of retirement to fight Johnson. Jeffries had not fought since 1904 and his weight had ballooned to almost 300 pounds.
	*The purse was $101,000. Originally, the winner was to get 75% and the loser 25%. Five days before the fight, Johnson proposed changing it to an even 50/50 split. Jeffries suggested a 60/40 split, which Johnson accepted. Each fighter was given a $10,~~000~~ signing bonus. Jeffries was given $66,666 for movie rights and Johnson was given $50,000.		*The purse was $101,000. Originally, the winner was to get 75% and the loser 25%. Five days before the fight, Johnson proposed changing it to an even 50/50 split. Jeffries suggested a 60/40 split, which Johnson accepted. Each fighter was given a $10,0000 signing bonus. Jeffries was given $66,666 for movie rights and Johnson was given $50,000.
	*Jeffries opened as a 10-7 favorite. Odds climbed as high as 2½-1 for Jeffries.		*Jeffries opened as a 10-7 favorite. Odds climbed as high as 2½-1 for Jeffries.
	*The fight was to take place in San Francisco, until California's governor, James Gillett, stepped in with less than three weeks to go. Boxing was still banned in many states, and church groups had pressured him to stop it on moral and religious grounds. Promoter [[Tex Rickard]] acted swiftly and moved the bout to Reno, where prizefighting was legal and several east-west railroads met.		*The fight was to take place in San Francisco, until California's governor, James Gillett, stepped in with less than three weeks to go. Boxing was still banned in many states, and church groups had pressured him to stop it on moral and religious grounds. Promoter [[Tex Rickard]] acted swiftly and moved the bout to Reno, where prizefighting was legal and several east-west railroads met.
	*There were rumors of a fix, and Nevada Governor Denver Dickerson demanded an assurance from Rickard that the fight be fair, not fixed.		*There were rumors of a fix, and Nevada Governor Denver Dickerson demanded an assurance from Rickard that the fight be fair, not fixed.
	*~~Noted storyteller~~ [[Bert Sugar]] wrote: "When the fight moved from California to Nevada, the 'arrangement' that Jeffries would win was called off. Johnson had sent him word that he was no longer bound by the secret prefight agreement to 'go in the tank.' Now it was 'best man wins,' and Jeff knew before he entered the ring that Johnson was that best man." ~~[There is no hard evidence to support this tale.]~~		*Boxing historian [[Bert Sugar]] wrote: "When the fight moved from California to Nevada, the 'arrangement' that Jeffries would win was called off. Johnson had sent him word that he was no longer bound by the secret prefight agreement to 'go in the tank.' Now it was 'best man wins,' and Jeff knew before he entered the ring that Johnson was that best man."
	*[[Ed (Gunboat) Smith]], who boxed an exhibition with Johnson in 1909, told author Peter Heller, "Jeffries didn't think he could win on the level. He thought it was all fixed." Smith said Johnson informed Jeffries the night before the fight that he wasn't going to take a dive, and Jeffries "didn't sleep all night."		*[[Ed (Gunboat) Smith]], who boxed an exhibition with Johnson in 1909, told author Peter Heller, "Jeffries didn't think he could win on the level. He thought it was all fixed." Smith said Johnson informed Jeffries the night before the fight that he wasn't going to take a dive, and Jeffries "didn't sleep all night."
	*This was the first time an arena was constructed for one single fight. Attendance was 15,760.		*This was the first time an arena was constructed for one single fight. Attendance was 15,760.