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Poster of the World Championship Battle: Johnson vs. Jeffries

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Western Americana Start Price:150.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 600.00 USD
Poster of the World Championship Battle: Johnson vs. Jeffries
SOLD
150.00USD+ (34.50) buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2015 Dec 14 @ 12:32UTC-8 : PST/AKDT
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Fabulous condition. The first boxing match of the 20th century that transcended the sport occurred on July 4, 1910 in Reno, Nevada. Jack Johnson was putting his crown on the line against former champion Jim Jeffries. Several factors made this fight special. Jeffries, who reigned from 1899-1904 retired, never lost a fight. He was revered by many people and was considered the greatest athlete in the world. On Dec. 26, 1908 the boxing world changed forever when Jack Johnson won the heavyweight title in Sydney, Australia. Unlike the first six title-holders, he was black. When Johnson returned to America he was saddened by his countrymen's reaction. Instead of rejoicing in the heavyweight title's return to American soil, Johnson was vilified from coast to coast. Johnson drove fast cars, traveled in fast circles and kept company with dance hall girls and, in some cases, prostitutes. And all the women were white. White promoters scoured the countryside looking for a white man to defeat Johnson. In 1910 Jeffries was convinced to come out of retirement – he was “The Great White Hope. However, he had retired to a life of farming and was not in fighting shape. Fearing racial violence in the event of a Johnson victory, the promoters did not allow the sale of alcohol. Firearms were checked at the gate. A crowd of more than 30,000 fans of both races jammed the arena. Johnson toyed with Jeffries through most of the fight, finally knocking him out in the 14th round. Racial violence after the fight was dramatic. Johnson fled the country in 1913. Only decades later was he given his due as one of the greatest fighters of all time. Poster is 14" x 20". City: Reno State: Nevada Date: 1910 hwac# 20004