Willard Vs. Fulton

Cap · 04-20-2023, 03:20 PM

One of the great aspects of TBCB is the ability to run "What If" fights. For instance, I'm looking forward to matching Jess Willard and Fred Fulton sometime soon in my peculiar Alternate Universe. In May of 1918 Willard, while still champion, was reported to have agreed to fight Fred Fulton on July 4th of that year. Fulton would get $20,000 and Willard $75,000 plus a percentage of the gate. Both had posted $5,000 forfeits. Unfortunately, Willard backed out when it was suggested he donate half of his guarantee to the American Red Cross. Fulton would have fought Willard for nothing. In real life Fulton fought Jack Dempsey instead and was knocked out. (Fred hadn't suffered a knockout loss since 1914) [Fulton insisted there was something fishy, pointing out he had been hit square by some big punchers like Frank Moran and Gunboat Smith and had survived.] Many experts, including Bob Edgren, the WC Heinz of his day, felt that Fulton would kayo Willard and suggested it was the real reason Jess backed out.

IceTea · 07-20-2023, 10:01 PM

20 years ago I spoke to some descendants of Jess Willard who were from Canastota, NY.

04-20-2023, 03:20 PM	#1
Cap Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Large Province in God's Country Posts: 7,979	Willard Vs. Fulton One of the great aspects of TBCB is the ability to run "What If" fights. For instance, I'm looking forward to matching Jess Willard and Fred Fulton sometime soon in my peculiar Alternate Universe. In May of 1918 Willard, while still champion, was reported to have agreed to fight Fred Fulton on July 4th of that year. Fulton would get $20,000 and Willard $75,000 plus a percentage of the gate. Both had posted $5,000 forfeits. Unfortunately, Willard backed out when it was suggested he donate half of his guarantee to the American Red Cross. Fulton would have fought Willard for nothing. In real life Fulton fought Jack Dempsey instead and was knocked out. (Fred hadn't suffered a knockout loss since 1914) [Fulton insisted there was something fishy, pointing out he had been hit square by some big punchers like Frank Moran and Gunboat Smith and had survived.] Many experts, including Bob Edgren, the WC Heinz of his day, felt that Fulton would kayo Willard and suggested it was the real reason Jess backed out. Attached Images __________________ "...There were Giants in Those Days.."

07-20-2023, 10:01 PM	#2
IceTea Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sherrill, NY Posts: 9,836	20 years ago I spoke to some descendants of Jess Willard who were from Canastota, NY. __________________ Don't worry, be happy! Women's Boxing Cyber Boxing Zone Philadelphia Boxing Boxrec Ross Boxing https://boxingjones.com/