The weekly tribune and the Cape County herald. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1914-1918, 1915-04-09
WILLARD KNOCKS
OUT JOHNSON IN
THE26TH ROUND
White Hope Fights Careful
Battle and Finally Wears
Black Out.
BLOW TO JAW MAKES
NEW WORLD CHAMPION
Kansas Giant Withstands Punch
es of Black Battler Batter
ing Down Foe.

Havana, April 5-Jess Willard is
champion of the world. In the ring al
Havana this afternoon he kno>
champion Jack Johnson out cold with
crushing right handler on the point
of the jan, delivered in the twenty
sixth round. 1t was the greatest
heavyweight fight seen since FItz-
simmons whipped Corbett at Carson.
During the first 20 rounds Willard
took punishment that would have
knocked out any other man. He
wcatliered it all without once staggcr-
ing or showing signs of distress.
All through Willard was as cool as
Johnson. He cultivated the negro, on
many occasions forcing him to lead,
then outfought him. Youth won for
Willard.
Johnson fought with steady courage
to the end, going down to defeat, like
Dempsey and other heroes of the ring.
After the twentieth round it was cvi-
dent that nature had run its course.
With Willard, still fresh and growing
more eager as he felt Johnson weak
ening, Johnson attacked time and
again with the courage Of, desperation,
bat there was no strength in his blows
At last, in the twenty-sixth, Willard
landed heavily.
Here's how Willard won the cham
pionship: Round Twenty-sixth-Fian-
agan jumped into Johnson's corner
and talked to him fast. AS the bell
rang Johnson sat until Welsh called
him from his chair. As they met VIII
lard sunk right into TIE pit of the
stomach. Johnson nearly sat down.
Willard attacked furiously driving two
rights to the jaw ard Johnson was
knocked cold. Willard wins.
After the twenty-fourth round john
son sent for Jack Curly at the gate
and told him to get Mrs. Johnson
away from the arena, as he was done.
In the twenty-fifth Willard drove a
fearful right into Johnson's body.
Johnson, too weak to withstand the
was driven back to the
ropes, trying vainly to block Wizards
blows. In the twenty-sixth Willard
drove a terrific right to the point of
the jaw. johnson wlirled around and
fell at full length on his back, his head
the floor with a loud thump.
He was ouc. He did not move until
he was picked up and carried to his
corner after WEIGH had counted him
put.
The crowd swarmed into the ring
and great excitement prevailed. Sol
liers with guns and swords rushed in
TO the ring and hastily took Willard
to the gates, sending him to his quar-
.ers under cavalry guard. johnson
eft ten minutes later.
Johnson said: Il did the best pos
'ible. felt was going several rounds
before the end. He caught me with
he right punch in the last.
That's all I know. l congratulate
He will be a great champion |
md l am through forever"
Willard fought in a manner that !
all who saw him in training. |
Round johnson came out conf |
lently. The white man wore a serious
ook. Johnson rushed Willard at the
tart, forcing the white man back in
o his corner. They clinched and in the
freak away Johnson tapped lightly to
Wizards kidneys. Johnson was smil-
ng. Willard made Johnson lead, fight
ng viciously. Willard landed left to
he Negroes jaw, swinging the champs
ead slightly. Johnson countered with
right to Wizards jaw. They ex-
hanged iefts to the body. Round
ven.
Round johnson laughed as Will
ard missed a left to the head. A see
nd later, Willard repeated the same
rive and landed a hard left. Willard
einted with his left and shot hard