Lot 718
Johnson, Jack (1878-1946) American boxer; the first African American heavyweight champion of the world (1908-15). Typed Letter with three lines, closing, and signature in the hand of Jack Johnson, one page, 12¾"x9¼", no place, no date (1909). Very good; overall toning and looking a little beat up; several tears held together by the entire letter being archivally backed with a thin japan paper for preservation; still, very bold and clear. During the 1909 negotiations for Johnson's historic fight with Jim Jeffries, Johnson angrily issues a challenge.
In full: "In view of the statement made last night by James J. Jeffries in Pittsburgh, that he 'hoped Ketchel would kill me and that he would do so if Ketchel failed', I, Jack Johnson, heavyweight champion of the world to [sic] hereby challenge James J. Jeffries to either fight me at once for my title, or to henceforthhold his tongue. I believe he is a four-floursher [sic] to the back-bone and to show that I mean business, hereby agree to fight him within two months from this date, one round or fifty, for a purse of not less than $30,000, for my own end and a side-bet of $10,000. Aside from the purse, I mke [sic] but one condition, that Jeffries shall accept this challenge within 10 days from date and as a token of that acceptance, post a forfeit of $5000 within two weeks. The other four-floushers [sic] are not excluded from this challenge, but I aim it directly at James J. Jeffries who has long been making capital out of phony challenges hurled at me which he has no intention of keeping." Johnson then writes in pencil and signs with a huge signature, "I have $5,000 with the New York Journal & will post $10,000 any time. Yours truly Jack Johnson."
Johnson would back up these word with a convincing beating of Jeffries on July 4, 1910, destroying the dream many white Americans had of a Great White Hope. This letter belonged to Stanley Weston, who was a photographer, artist and writer for The Ring magazine from 1937-51. Weston launched numerous magazines of his own, including Boxing and Wrestling, KO, and World Boxing; in 1989 he purchased and resurrected The Ring. Weston's collection spanned over 150 years and many items from his collection were on permanent display at the first "Boxing Hall of Fame" in the old Madison Square Garden from 1922-60. Accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from Toby Weston Cone, Stanley Weston's daughter, stating that this letter was part of her father's collection.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 12,000.
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| Realized $13,800 |
