Boxing Career
A working cowboy, Willard did not begin boxing until he was 27 years old. Despite his late start, Jess Willard proved successful as a boxer, defeating top-ranked opponents to earn a chance to fight for the championship. Willard said he started boxing because he didn't have much of an education but thought his size and strength could earn him a good living. He was a gentle and friendly person and didn't enjoy boxing or hurting people, so often waited until his opponent attacked him before punching back which made him feel at ease as if he was defending himself. He was often maligned as an uncoordinated oaf rather than a skilled boxer but his counterpunching style coupled with his enormous strength and stamina proved successful against top-fighters. Willard's strength was so great that he was reported to be able to kill a man with a single punch which unfortunately proved to be a fact during his fight with Jack "Bull" Young in 1913 who was punched in the head and killed in the 9th round. Jess Willard was charged with second degree murder but was successfully defended by lawyer Earl Rogers.
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