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Harry Wills, Boxer
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Harry Wills, Boxer
Harry Wills (1889-1958) the heavyweight boxer, who held the title World Colored Heavyweight Champion three times. Although a heavyweight title match with white boxer Jack Dempsey was planned for 1926, it never actually happened. There is disagreement among historians as to whether Dempsey refused to fight Wills on the grounds of race. Date: circa 1925
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Media ID 32249960
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Boxer Boxers Boxing Champion Champions Harry Heavyweight Muscular Nineteen Physique Shadow Wills 1925
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Harry Wills: The Unrealized Dream of Becoming the First Black Heavyweight Champion This powerful and evocative photograph captures the intensity and determination of Harry Wills (1889-1958), an American heavyweight boxer who held the World Colored Heavyweight Championship an impressive three times during the 1920s. Wills, a formidable figure with his muscular physique and steely gaze, casts a shadow over the boxing world with his unwavering dedication to the sport. The era of the 1920s, known as the 'Roaring Twenties,' was a time of great social and cultural change in America. However, for African American athletes like Wills, opportunities to compete at the highest level against their white counterparts were limited. Despite his undeniable talent and accomplishments, Wills was denied a title match against the white heavyweight champion, Jack Dempsey, in 1926. The reasons for this missed opportunity remain a subject of debate among historians. Some argue that Dempsey refused to fight Wills due to racial prejudice, while others suggest that financial and logistical issues may have played a role. Regardless, the failure to make this historic match a reality left a lasting impact on Wills and the African American community. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles and triumphs of one of boxing's most intriguing figures. Harry Wills' story is a testament to the resilience and determination of African American athletes in the face of adversity, and a reminder of the progress that still needs to be made in the realm of sports and racial equality.
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