JOHNSON V. WILLARD.

Northern Advocate, 30 November 1916, Page 2

JOHNSON V. WILLARD.

WORLD'S HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP,

There was a large audience at the Britannia Theatre last evening to witness the picturised version of the contest for the world's heavyweight boxing championship between the holder. Jack Johnson, and the husky Texan, Jess Willard. The fight took place nearly 12 months ago at Havana, Cuba, with the result that Johnson was defeated and the title again reverted to .lie white race. The preliminary picture showed both men in their training operations. Willard at once strikes the eye as being very fit, without an ounce of surplus tissue about him. and his training is of the most searching and severe character. Johnson, on the other hand, gave the impression of being over-conditioned, and appeared to labour ii> his work, but in the ring his activity, ringcraft and ski! were undeniable. The first rounc opened quietly Willard shooting hi left to the head now and again, while towards the end of (lie round Johnson, who by the way, smiled broadh throughout the fight, livened up ami sent over some heavy blows to the head and body. Up till the 17th round the contest was fought on fairly even terms, Williard carrying the fight to the enemy's territory, whilst Johnson more than held his own by his clever blocking and footwork, and occasionally unloosed some terrific right swings and fought his opponent back to the Topes. In spite of Johnson's rigorous attention Willard showed no signs of distress, and came up after each encounter with unabated dash and determination In round 17, the. Texan was very aggressive, and gave the champion no peace.

Johnson back-moved and side-stepped some wicked visitations from Willard's left. Kound 20 was undoubtedly one of tho champion's best. He fought the cowboy from the gong, raining a torrent of blows from both hands to head and body, a straight left in particular sending Willard's head back in convincing style. The following round was almost as exciting, in which both men entered into a lively rally. But Willard's vitality and condition were unimpaired, and he came out for the 22nd round as fresh as when the fight commenced. Making the fighting warm, Willard became very agressive, and «aye Johnson no respite. In the next round Johnson showed unmistakeable signs of distress, being slow in movement and hanging on desperately in clinches, whilst Willard was the aggressor every inch of tho way. The two following rounds were a repetition of round 22. The 26th and final round opened with a clinch, with Johnson backing away. A hot exchange fol lowed in which Willard sent over a heavy right to the jaw, and Johnson went down for the count and a new champiou was unearthed. The picture Was remarkably clear, and conveyed a splendid impression of the fight. Every incident being dearly brought out, the contest could be followed as closely as though the spectator wore viewing the "real thing." The points which stand out clearly were the fitness and dogged and aggressive determination of Willard and the clever display by Johnson up to the 20th round. This great picture will be screened to-night and Friday nights only.