Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1915-05-18
TBy Latest MALL

mlLW AUhEE, w Isl mere seems
to be concerted movement among
some of the followers of boxing to
create a feeling that the Johnson-Wil-
lard battle WIS not on the square. 1t
was very noticeable down South
among some of the colored men, who
sought to give out the impression that
johnson LAY down rather than admit
that he was beaten fairly by superior
fighter. This impression spread about
and nearly every person I have met
since returning from the contest ask
ed the same question, Was the fight a
fakee''
To the best of my judgment and of
practically every critic at Havana the
day of the battle, the contest was
fought on its merits and the best man
Won-that man being Jess Willard.
The cry has been raised that John
son did not train as hard as he should
have done. -. VI.
johnson Worked Hard. ..-
The fact is Johnson worked very
hard for the big fight, but he did not
box so much as usual, combining him
self more to road work., for he knew
he needed that kind of work to get
the necessary stamina Johnson was
on the road every morning for eight
or ten miles, and his condition sur
prised all the writer's when they saw
him for the first time, as they expect
ed to see him hog fat and unfit to box
half a dozen rounds. 80" -
Jack was near the 39-year mark, as
he admitted, but there are some who
assert he was at the 40-mile post, if
year, and they were probably mighty
near the correct figure. He could not
take off too much weight, for to do
so would hurt him more than carrying
even more superfluous flesh than he
did. .s ... -, 49,. "
Johnson Changed His Tactics.
Johnson knew his condition better
than any one, and he worked accord
ingly. The fact that Jack changed his
tactics and slugged and rushed, prac-
tically the first time in his career
proved that he knew just about how
far he could go. and that is why he
tried to win as quick as possible. Jack
was slow on his feet, whereas in past
battles he was fast afoot, and he al.
ways made his opponents come to him.
Then, too, he never met man who
was really stronger and bigger than
himself, one who could take even more
punishment and still retain his
strength.
Had Willard been of only ordinary
build and unable to stand an extra
amount of punishment, then Johnson
would still be champion, but it proved
otherwise. Willard showed that he
could stand all the punishment John
son could hand out and still remain
with knockout kick in either hand.
In three different rounds Johnson de.
iyered series of blows to the head
and body which would have put the
ordinary heavyweight to sleep, but not
so with big Jess. His condition, due
to the splendid work of Tom Jones,
was so good that he never even WINGED
when Jack was handing out the hard
est blows he could deliver. 1870,
Willard Stands Punishment.
In the 14th round Johnson rushed
Jess about the ring and drove home
some terrific blows to the head and
body, but never sign of distress did
the big fellow show II was the last
chance Jack had, for Willard fought
more. carefully after that and began
to hand out some heart-breaking blows
himself, which eventually wore the col
ored man down completely. The real
damage was done to Johnson in the
eighth round, when Jess sent a. ter
rife Highlander to the body Just I'm.
der the heart. 1t made Jack gasp, but
he was clever enough to hide the eff.
feet of the blow from Willard.
Referee Jack WEIGH afterward bore
out the contention regarding this blow
in the eighth. 1t was evident that VII.
lard did not realize the damage he had
done, for afterward he told me that
he first became aware of Johnson's
weakness in the tenth round. He said
he felt then that he could win sure,
but he had planned to fight a safe and
sure battle and for that reason would
take no unnecessary chances, as his
condition was such that he could fight