Mar 21, 2024 - Sale 2663

Sale 2663 - Lot 435

Price Realized: $ 1,375
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 2,000 - $ 3,000
(SPORTS--BOXING.) Newspapers on Jack Johnson's winning the title, his defense against "Great White Hope" Jeffries, and his 1915 loss. 10, 16, [24] pages. 3 newspapers, each about 22 x 16 inches; minimal to minor ear and light toning. Various places, 1908-1915
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Additional Details

"Jack Johnson Beat Tommy Burns for Heavyweight Championship . . . Johnson a Colored Boxer," front page article, in an issue of the Florida Times-Union. Jacksonville, FL., 26 December 1908.

"Johnson Knocks Out Jeffries in the Fifteenth Round," illustrated full front-page story and 15 total pages of coverage in the sports section of the San Francisco Examiner. In addition to a full-width photograph of the knockout, the front page features three articles. The headlines of two news reports focus on Johnson's race, no surprise for perhaps the most racially charged athletic contest in American history: "Black is Faster and Cleverer. . . . Jeffries Weakens from the Start Under the Smashing Blows of the African" and "Jeffries Mastered--Whipped by Grinning, Jeering Negro . . . White Fighter was Unable to Stand Up Against Merciless Attacks of Opponent." Between these two articles is a remarkable article penned by Johnson himself for the Examiner: "Johnson Tells How He Won His Battle," which can be described as gracious but defiant. 15 of the 16 pages in this deluxe sports section are devoted to the fight, with numerous photographs. Embossed private library stamp on front page. San Francisco, 5 July 1910.

"Willard Wins Fight in 26th Round. Big Cowboy Knocked Out Negro After a Most Grueling Fight. Willard Smashed Winning Blow as Jack Looked at Wife," illustrated front-page story in Lewiston Evening Journal. Small library subscriber's tag on front page over part of headline. Lewiston, ME, 5 April 1915.