New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-04-06
NEGRO AT LAST
MEETS MASTER
End Comes After Twenty
six Rounds of Fast,
Desperate Fighting.
10000 SEE STRUGGLE
President of Cuba and Many
Americans at Havana
Ringside.
By WILLIAM II. R0CAP.


Havana, April 5.--In a battle which
has no parallel in the history OF the
American ring, Jess Willard, the Kan
sas cowboy, defeated Jack Johnson for
the worlds heavyweight title here this
afternoon.
The end came quickly in the twenty
sixth round. Johnson had gone to his
corner at the conclusion Of the twen-
ty-ffth period, his body trembling, his
knees sagging, his whole frame weak
ened by Willard's incessant fusillade
of blows. The negro saw his title go
ing; he knew he was beaten. He sank
on his chair as his seconds worked
frantically and pluckily braced himself
and smiled. Then came the bell for
the twenty-sixth round.
Johnson didn't bulge. Jack Welsh,
the referee, had to call him out. The
negro looked pitifully across the ring
to his wife. who was sitting IN box,
and the look carried the message:
"The end is coming. | cannot stand
it much longer. Nature won't be de-
MED"
Johnson Tottcrs in Ring.
Johnson fairly tottered 10 the cen
ire Of the ring. avoided Willsrd's rash
by a supreme effort and clinched. As
they were parted the champion seemed
dazed. Willard seized his opportunity
and drove the negro across the ring,
while the latter tried to cover up. The
cowboy then pierced the negro's de-
fence and landed left 10 the body
Johnson's guard dropped and Willard's
quick left to the face was followed by
straight right which caught the con-
queror of JefFries flush on the chin
and dropped him fiat on his back right
in his opponents corner.
A roar went up from the huge crowd
and then a deathlike silence settled
like a pail on all sides. as the referee.
standing over the body of the fallen
negro, counted Off the seconds.
II was a liberal count, but as the
seconds were tolled off Johnson never
moved. His head struck the foor as
he crashed down and ne lay there
stunned as he was counted out. His
seconds then ran across the ring and
half dragged him to his corner, while
the crowd proclaimed Willard the
heavyweight champion of the world
The battle was the longest on record
for a worlds title since the inception
of Marquis of Queensberry rules in
America. Corbett defeated Sullivan
in New Orleans Oh September Z, 1892,
in twenty-one rounds. and that fight
was the longest until the battle to-
DAY.
New Champion Hailed.
The scene of jubilation which fol-
lowed the victory OF willard was one
that has never been equalled in Amer
lea at any fight. Thousands crowded
TO the ring 10 hail the new champion.
A regiment of soldiers and posse OF
police with drawn swords and revolv-
ers guarded Willard on his way TO the
clubhouse. The victory was so popu-
lar that the natives were eager to
carry him home.
More than 10000 enthusiasts were
inside the inclosure at Oriental Park.
The ring was pitched on the rscetrack,
and 10000 more spectators witnessed
the bout from the surrounding hillside
and other points Of vantage.
The entire Havana complement OF
soldiery was on hand TO assist the po-
lice in carrying out the arrangements,
which were perfect. The President of
the Republic and his executives, to-
gether with the former President and
sportsmen from all parts Of the United
States, were al the ringside
The battle was fairly fought, and
the best man won. Johnson proved
himself a physical marvel by being
able to fight twenty-six rounds In the
manner he did. while Willard vind-
Gated the judgment of the writer, who
nominated him last July in London as
the one man in the world TO beat John
son.
No Room for Argument.
Willard won decisively. leaving no
room for argument. He not only out
boxed and outfought Johnson but COM
pletely outgeneralled the negro. Will
lard fought his battle as he had
planned n and as ne said he would yes
terday. lie had the patience 10 con-
serve his strength until the proper
time-until the negro began TO wayer
despite the fact that the big black
forced the battle in the early rounds
and tried to win by a knockout
Johnson fought we'll in the first doZ-
en- rounds: thereafter he showed a
noticeable lack of steam" At the be-
ginning Of the eighteenth round he
was perceptibly weak. lie tried des-
perately, using all the ring artifce az
his command. 10 turn the tide in that
round and get Willard's guard down
by fcinting for the body willard re-
fused to be lured, and Johnson tore IN
with all the strength he had and med
lefts and rights to the jaw, followed by
vicious right uppercut.
Willard blocked most o.e these blows
n