Tidbits and Blog . . .

THE FISTICUFFS

The legendary boxing match between Stanley Ketchel and Jack Johnson occurred on October 16, 1909, in Colma, California. Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight champion, faced Stanley Ketchel, the reigning middleweight champion, in what was considered a mismatch due to their size difference—Johnson outweighed Ketchel by nearly 40 pounds. The fight would be the first match between two champions from two divisions apart, an uncanny event for its time.  

The fight was initially agreed to be an exhibition, but later billed as a world heavyweight championship. 

Johnson seemed to have his way in the early going, jabbing Ketchel easily, bleeding his nose, and even dropping him with a counter right cross in the second. Ketchel was consistently trying to get inside Johnson’s defensive shell, throwing wild punches at times, leaving himself open for counters that Johnson capitalized on. Then the climactic 34 seconds in the 12th, of what some thought to be an exhibition match.

Ketchel surprised Johnson with a knockdown in the 12th round. This enraged Johnson, who quickly retaliated with a powerful punch that knocked Ketchel out and embedded some of Ketchel’s teeth in Johnson’s glove. The fight ended with Johnson retaining his heavyweight title.

MYTH

The 34 seconds of the twelfth round were one of the most action-packed in heavyweight history. However, many believe it may have been choreographed for film rights, which were in the early stages of development. The same moves were made in earlier rounds, and it may have been that Ketchel may have double-crossed as to the ending of the bout. All these questions have been debated, although the fight is over a Century old. Another question mark debated was whether, when Johnson knocked Ketchel out, some of Ketchel’s teeth were embedded in Johnson’s gloves. It can be seen that Johnson is wiping something off his gloves after the knockdown; perhaps it was Ketchel’s teeth.

LEGEND

Stanley Ketchel and Jack Johnson were legendary boxing figures, but their careers differed in achievements and impact.

Stanley Ketchel

Known as the “Michigan Assassin,” Stanley Ketchel was one of the greatest middleweight boxers in history. Born in 1886, he began his professional career at 16 and quickly gained a reputation for his aggressive style and knockout power. Ketchel became the World Middleweight Champion in 1908 and defended his title multiple times. Despite being a middleweight, he often fought much larger opponents, including light-heavyweights. Tragically, Ketchel’s life and career were cut short when he was murdered at the age of 24 in 1910.

Jack Johnson

Jack Johnson, nicknamed the “Galveston Giant,” was the first Black heavyweight champion, a title he held from 1908 to 1915. His victory over Tommy Burns to claim the title was groundbreaking, as it shattered racial barriers in sports during the Jim Crow era. Johnson’s career was marked by his dominance in the ring and his defiance of societal norms, including his relationships with white women, which drew significant controversy at the time. He faced numerous challenges outside the ring, including legal troubles and racial discrimination, but his legacy as a trailblazer in boxing and civil rights remains profound.

Both fighters left an indelible mark on boxing history, with Ketchel remembered for his fearless fighting spirit and Johnson for his cultural and historical significance. 

More on this bout

JACK JOHNSON -vs- STANLEY KETCHEL 1909 – HD Documentary Analysis and Rare Footage