WORLD

	Jack Johnson-"Fireman" Jim Flynn July 4, 1912 - Las Vegas, New Mexico
	Johnson defended his title against Jim Flynn. Flynn was utterly helpless against the champion from the first round. At long range Johnson's left prevented his opponent from landing any punches. At close range, the style of the challenger, Johnson was able to hold his opponent while landing uppercuts to the body and head. Flynn's only effective punching was in the third round when he landed two right hooks to the jaw of Johnson. Jack had gotten careless, and it was not to happen again. Starting in the sixth round the challenger tried to butt Jack's chin with his head. Referee Wn. W. Smith warned Flynn against this illegal tactic numerous times but he continued to try to butt Johnson. Films of the fight show that Flynn would literally jump into the air to do this. As the fight progressed Flynn was taking a terrible beating and blood flowed freely from his face. Finally State Police Captain Fornoff entered the ring and stopped the fight in the 9th round due to the brutality and the continual fouling of the challenger. The referee then announced Johnson as the winner and the fight crowd gave Johnson a terrific cheer. It was the opinion of many at ringside that Flynn wanted to be disqualified. It is noted that shortly before the fight started, the official announcer Tommy Cannon of Oklahoma City took the ring to call attention to the "several hundred ladies who have graced this occasion by their attendance." He asked that the spectators remember their presence when it came to shouting comments on the fight.
	Heavyweight Boxing Championship History Copyright (C) 1994 by Don Sibrel

Heavyweight Boxing Championship History Copyright (C) 1994 by Don Sibrel

Heavyweight Boxing Championship History
Copyright (C) 1994 by Don Sibrel