Jess Willard, born on December 29, 1881 in ,Kansas, was a towering figure in the world of boxing. Standing at an impressive 6'6" and weighing in at 270 pounds, he quickly rose to fame as a heavyweight boxing champion. Nicknamed the 'Pottawatomie Giant' and 'The Great White Hope,' Willard had a formidable presence both inside and outside of the ring.
Before making a name for himself as a boxer, Willard worked as a cowboy in his younger years. His time spent on the ranch honed his physical strength and toughness, traits that would serve him well in his future boxing career.
Willard's professional boxing career kicked off in spectacular fashion, with a record of 26 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw. His towering height and powerful punches quickly earned him a reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the heavyweight division.
One of the most memorable moments of Willard's career came when he held the heavyweight title for four years. However, his reign came to an end in a brutal match against the legendary Jack Dempsey. In a bone-breaking bout, Willard was knocked down a staggering seven times in the first round, ultimately losing his title to Dempsey.
Despite the ups and downs of his professional career, Willard found stability and happiness in his personal life. He married his childhood friend, Harriet Evans, and the couple built a life together outside of the ring.
Although Willard's boxing career may have had its share of setbacks, his legacy as a heavyweight champion continues to live on. His name is forever etched in the annals of boxing history, remembered for his sheer size, strength, and indomitable spirit.
In the world of boxing, Jess Willard will always be celebrated as a true giant of the sport, a man who faced adversity head-on and left an undeniable mark on the boxing world.