Posts from JamesMace in thread „Jess Willard“

Jess Willard's 1915 "The Heart Punch" drama.

Boy! You really go to a lot of research and work. You must be king of this website or something. I appreciate this tribute section.

I'm reluctant to change the subject anywhere here on this site from Duke to my grandfather, as I only mentioned it in the off-the-subject section (can't remember the name right now) to answer the question about other Western movies and actors. But the boxing match with McLaglen was only an "exhibition," a type of match that was almost a spur of the moment. Unplanned. It took place in Missouri, I think - (Geez! I'm forgetting that fact too) - and I guess no newspaper people took a picture of the event -not that I've been able to find, anyway. As for the Dempsey fight, neither I or anybody will ever know for sure if Dempsey cheated. Naturally its hard for me not to be biased on my grandfather's side and legacy, but I've tried to be fair and open. Yet there was just enough suspicion about the 3 rounds that don't rest easily on me.

Here's a couple of pictures of McLaglen in his boxing years. My grandfather, Jess Willard, boxed him in an exhibition bout in 1911.... Around about the time my dad was dating my mother (1933, 1934), he was asked by my grandmother Willard to drive to a certain place and pick up my grandfather, along with McLaglen, from some bar or other drinking place (?) and take them home. My dad remebered the incidant - having to get squashed in the front seat between my grandfather and McLaglen all the way home.

Additional photos

My grandfather, Jess Willard (Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World, 1915-1919) starred in this forgettable silent film.