Los Angeles, CA, USA - Jess Willard, a towering figure in boxing history, is often remembered as the man who defeated Jack Johnson for the world heavyweight title in 1915 and subsequently lost it to Jack Dempsey in one of the most brutal title matches ever seen. Known as the "Pottawatomie Giant," Willard’s career was filled with both triumphs and controversies, with his life outside the ring equally fascinating.

Early Life

Jess Myron Willard was born on December 29, 1881, in Pottawatomie County, Kansas. Standing at an impressive 6’6½” and weighing over 220 pounds, Willard was a physical phenomenon for his era, making him a natural fit for heavyweight boxing. However, he came to the sport late in life; he didn’t start boxing professionally until his late twenties, a time when many fighters were already in their prime. Before entering the ring, Willard led a modest life, working various jobs, including as a cowboy and a rodeo performer, where he developed the toughness that would later serve him well in boxing.

Rise to the Championship

Willard made his professional boxing debut in 1911, and his size and resilience quickly attracted attention. He was a naturally strong puncher with a seemingly indestructible chin, which helped him notch a series of wins that built his reputation as a formidable opponent. In 1913, Willard faced Gunboat Smith, a highly ranked heavyweight known for his aggressive style, but he lost the fight in a disputed foul call. Despite the setback, Willard’s stature in the heavyweight ranks continued to grow, and he amassed an impressive record against respected fighters, leading to his opportunity to face the reigning champion, Jack Johnson, in 1915.

The Title Fight with Jack Johnson

On April 5, 1915, in Havana, Cuba, Jess Willard faced heavyweight champion Jack Johnson, who had held the title since 1908. Johnson, an African American champion in an era of significant racial tension, had endured years of criticism and had become a target for promoters eager to see him dethroned. The bout against Willard, organized by promoter Jack Curley, was viewed as a significant event with Johnson as the heavy favorite.

The fight itself was grueling, lasting 26 rounds in the Cuban heat. Willard, who took a defensive approach, absorbed Johnson’s blows and gradually wore him down. In the 26th round, Willard delivered a powerful right hand that knocked Johnson out, ending his reign and making Willard the new heavyweight champion. The victory was celebrated widely, with Willard becoming a national hero overnight. However, his title win was marred by controversy, with rumors circulating that Johnson had thrown the fight due to financial and legal pressures.

Inactive Reign as Champion

Willard’s reign as champion was notably inactive. Unlike many champions who defended their titles frequently, he only fought once in the four years following his victory over Johnson. Willard seemed more interested in capitalizing on his fame through other ventures rather than risking his title in the ring. During this period, he made significant earnings from public appearances, vaudeville performances, and exhibitions. However, his inactivity began to tarnish his reputation, with the public and boxing promoters growing impatient to see him defend his title.

The Fight with Jack Dempsey

In 1919, Willard finally agreed to defend his title against a young, ferocious challenger, Jack Dempsey, on July 4 in Toledo, Ohio. This fight, often considered one of the most brutal in boxing history, would mark the end of Willard’s reign as champion. From the first bell, Dempsey attacked Willard relentlessly, flooring him seven times in the opening round alone. Willard’s face was battered, and he suffered multiple injuries, including broken teeth and ribs, a fractured jaw, and severe swelling around his eyes. Despite the punishment, Willard managed to survive the first round and continued fighting, demonstrating remarkable courage. However, he was unable to continue after the third round, and Dempsey was declared the new heavyweight champion.

This loss significantly impacted Willard’s career and legacy. The brutal defeat exposed the limitations of his boxing abilities and underscored the emerging new era in the heavyweight division, defined by faster, more aggressive fighters like Dempsey. Some historians later speculated that Dempsey may have used loaded gloves, but these claims were never substantiated, and Willard himself accepted the defeat without excuse.

Life After Boxing

Following his retirement from boxing, Willard invested in various business ventures, including real estate and a traveling rodeo, which reflected his early interests. He also briefly entered the film industry, where he appeared in a few minor roles and boxing exhibitions. However, his post-boxing life was marked by financial difficulties, and he struggled to maintain the wealth he had accumulated during his career.

In later years, Willard settled in California, where he lived a quiet life out of the public eye. Despite the controversies and brutal losses he endured in his career, he remained proud of his accomplishments, especially his victory over Johnson, which he regarded as the pinnacle of his career.

Death and Legacy

Jess Willard passed away on December 15, 1968, at the age of 86. Though his career was filled with ups and downs, his legacy as a heavyweight champion endures. His title-winning bout against Johnson remains a historic moment in boxing, symbolizing both the changing attitudes of the sport and the era’s social landscape. While his reign as champion may not have been marked by frequent title defenses, his victory over Johnson and courage in the face of Dempsey’s onslaught are remembered as defining moments in the heavyweight division.

Today, Willard is viewed as a transitional figure in boxing history—a champion whose career bridged the bare-knuckle era and the modern age of gloved boxing, marked by more skill and finesse. Though he may not be celebrated among the all-time greats, his place in the sport’s rich history is secure, remembered for his size, resilience, and his role in one of boxing’s most colorful and dynamic periods.