On This Day: The 26-Round Marathon in the Havana Heat

On 5th April 1915, one of the most gruelling and controversial chapters in boxing history was written under a blazing sun in Havana, Cuba. Jess Willard, a 6ft 6in cowboy from Kansas, defeated the legendary Jack Johnson in the 26th round to become the world heavyweight champion.

It was a fight that lasted over an hour and a half, held in temperatures reaching nearly 40°C (over 100°F).

The "Pottawatomie Giant" vs the Champion

Jack Johnson had been the heavyweight champion since 1908, famously becoming the first African-American to hold the title. However, by 1915, he was 37 years old and living in exile due to legal troubles in the United States.

Willard, known as the "Pottawatomie Giant," was much larger and younger, but few experts gave him a chance. Johnson was a defensive master, and for the first 20 rounds, it looked like business as usual. The champion toyed with Willard, laughing at his clumsy efforts and building a massive lead on the scorecards.

The Turning Point

The fight was scheduled for a staggering 45 rounds. As the match moved past the hour mark, the relentless Cuban heat and Willard’s sheer size began to take their toll on the ageing champion.

By the 25th round, Johnson was visibly exhausted. Legend has it he even gestured to his wife to leave the stadium because he knew the end was near. In the 26th, Willard landed a thunderous right hand to the jaw that sent Johnson to the canvas. The "Galveston Giant" was counted out, and a new champion was crowned.

The Controversy

One of the most famous images in boxing history comes from this fight: a photograph of Johnson lying on his back, apparently shielding his eyes from the sun with his glove as he was counted out.

Years later, Johnson claimed he had "taken a dive" as part of a deal with the US government to allow him to return home without facing prison. However, most historians and the referee himself dismissed this. They pointed to the brutal nature of the fight and the fact that Johnson had fought desperately to win until his stamina simply gave out.

A Historic Shift

Willard’s victory ended Johnson’s seven-year reign and marked a significant shift in the sport. It would be another 22 years before, Joe Louis, would be given the opportunity to fight for, and win, the heavyweight title.