Jack Johnson backed out of signed contract to rematch Langford

[travestyny]

- -1st Sam/JJ fight SCRAPPED when JJ sailed for Vancouver instead of England to fight Sam as per the NSC who financed JJ trip to Oz.

U really quite the silly boy!

What is your point?

I haven't even tried to contest anything here, you bumbling buffoon. I only gave more information.

[QueensburyRules]

What is your point?

I haven't even tried to contest anything here, you bumbling buffoon. I only gave more information.

- -Not the original Sam bout in England as per his now broken contract with NSC.

Point is U being a topclass ninnybaby.

[travestyny]

- -Not the original Sam bout in England as per his now broken contract with NSC.

Point is U being a topclass ninnybaby.

I don't know what you aren't understanding. I'm not claiming that has anyting to do with a fight in England.


So again, why are you writing to me...? I've literally only said here that he accepted a fight with Langford that was scrapped because the promoters dropped him when he got busted for the "White Slave" law.

[K-DOGG]

Before I read the post, I presumed this was an explanation on why the French Boxing Authority (whatever their name was) declared the winner of Langford-Jeanette X the "World Champion" when Johnson fought "Battling" Jim Johnson in stead of Sam. They only recognized Langford as champ for approximately one month before re-recognizing Johnson; but when I learned that, I found it to be an odd point in history. This tidbit, I was unaware of. So, kudos to GhostofDempsey for the education.

Whether or not Johnson could have beaten a prime Langford is certainly open for debate; but I, for one, definitely do not think he really wanted any part of him.

[QueensburyRules]

I don't know what you aren't understanding. I'm not claiming that has anyting to do with a fight in England.


So again, why are you writing to me...? I've literally only said here that he accepted a fight with Langford that was scrapped because the promoters dropped him when he got busted for the "White Slave" law.

- -10 Dolla playdough dum with 10 IQ is it now?

Mann Act trial years after his scheduled NSC bout with Sam he dumped.

[travestyny]

- -10 Dolla playdough dum with 10 IQ is it now?

Mann Act trial years after his scheduled NSC bout with Sam he dumped.

What part of this don't you understand, you moron. I've said it twice already, but apparently your brain is mush.

I did not say anything about the bout you are referencing. Again, I have never referred to the bout you are mentioning.

Do you get that now, or do I need to say it again?

I'm referring to an instance when JJohnson accepted fights against Langford and McVea and the promoters dumped him because they said there was no interest in the fight after he was busted on the "White Slave" law.

You are trying so hard to find a reason to argue with me, when I haven't made an argument here. Sorry that you want to get at my throat so badly, but nothing I said here was contentious.


Now if you can't understand the above, read it again. Then have your great granddaughter read it to your senile ass.

[QueensburyRules]

I don't know what you aren't understanding. I'm not claiming that has anyting to do with a fight in England.


So again, why are you writing to me...? I've literally only said here that he accepted a fight with Langford that was scrapped because the promoters dropped him when he got busted for the "White Slave" law.

- -Duh...U one hand clapping is DEAFENING!!!

[travestyny]

- -Duh...U one hand clapping is DEAFENING!!!

Duh...your brain melted long ago.

[Rusty Tromboni]

Before I read the post, I presumed this was an explanation on why the French Boxing Authority (whatever their name was) declared the winner of Langford-Jeanette X the "World Champion" when Johnson fought "Battling" Jim Johnson in stead of Sam. They only recognized Langford as champ for approximately one month before re-recognizing Johnson; but when I learned that, I found it to be an odd point in history. This tidbit, I was unaware of. So, kudos to GhostofDempsey for the education.

Whether or not Johnson could have beaten a prime Langford is certainly open for debate; but I, for one, definitely do not think he really wanted any part of him.

The debate would center on how effective Johnson's leaning and clinching would prove against Sam's widow-maker uppercuts.

Frank Moran was tough, but that's about it. Otherwise he didn't really know what he was doing. Johnson was uninspiring against him.

[travestyny]

On December 26th of 1908, Jack Johnson lifted the heavyweight crown from Tommy Burns in a lopsided fight that was finally stopped in the 14th round. Johnson had chased Burns to England where the National Sporting Club had tried to arrange a fight between the two, but Burns had declared that he would not fight Johnson for anything less than 6,000 pounds. When Burns went to Australia he found a promoter willing to meet that price in Hugh ‘Big Deal’ McIntosh, of Sydney. Johnson was short on cash to make the trip to Australia but Mr. Bettinson of the National Sporting Club, jumped in and advanced Johnson and his manager, Sam Fitzpatrick, sufficient money to fund their journey on the understanding that if Johnson beat Burns he would double back to London to fight Sam Langford.

Eugene Corri recalls that previous to Johnson’s leaving England to fight Burns at Sydney, Johnson promised the late Mr. Bettinson of the National Sporting Club that, win or lose with Burns, he would fight Langford in London the night before the Derby. That was always the night of the year at the Club.

Johnson himself had provided his agreement to this in the following form prior to his departure from England to Australia to meet Tommy Burns for the title.

“Gentleman,

I undertake and agree to carry out my contest with Sam Langford on the 22nd February 1909, on the same terms and conditions as already arranged with Langford, viz., 1000 pounds purse and one third of the interest in any bioscope pictures that may be taken. At the same time allow me to tender my thanks to you for the courtesy you have extended to myself and my manager, Mr. Sam Fitzpatrick, whilst we have been in this country.

I am, gentleman,
Yours faithfully,
J. Johnson.”

However, after winning the title, and reminded of his obligation to the National Sporting Club, Johnson decided that the terms he had previously agreed to were no longer sufficient and declared that he wouldn’t fight at the Club for less than 6,000 pounds. He wrote that the “The offer of the Club was absolutely ridiculous” and that “Being a champion, I don’t see why the National Sporting Club has a right to dictate to me as to how much I shall receive for my appearance and boxing ability. If they don’t want to give me my price, which is 6,000 pounds win, lose, or draw, they can call things off. I am a boxing man and can now get my price and I don’t care what the public thinks.”

Mr. Bettinson knew of course that Johnson could not be forced to carry out his agreement, but also felt that Johnson was determined to wiggle out of a meeting with Langford. While acknowledging it was impossible to say what would have happened had the two men met again, for the representatives of the Club’s part, they believed all the odds would not have been against Langford, who they considered a murderous fighter, equal in cleverness, though not as blatantly as Johnson.

Langford travelled all the way from Boston to enable Johnson to keep his promise. He had been enroute by boat from America when Johnson advised the National Athletic Club he wouldn’t be abiding to an agreement made prior to this departure to Australia to meet Burns. Johnson, when accused of signing an agreement in London to fight Langford, declared he never signed any such document and that Fitzpartrick was the signer. Charles F. Mathison was American matchmaker for the National Sporting Club, and he forwarded Johnson’s denial to A.F. Bettinson, manager of that club. Bettinson cabled this reply: “Jonson’s statement untrue. Contract signed by him. Not Fitzpatrick. Am sending photograph of agreement.” The photograph arrived in due time and was reproduced in The Morning World by it’s sporting editor, “Wurra Wurra” McLoughlin. On arriving at the Club, Langford sought Bettinson and asked “What about this Johnson fight?”

When he was told that Johnson could not be found, a disappointed Langford replied, I suppose you will be able to fix me up with someone. I bar nobody. Anybody you suggest I’ll fight. Size makes no difference to me. The bigger they are the easier they are to hit, and they go down heavier.”

I've been trying to look more into this because I wanted to know why they didn't sue Jack Johnson for breach of contract. Do you have any sources with more information?

From what I can tell so far, this was about an agreement made before JJohnson became champion. Is that right....?


I just realized the amounts. He signed the contract for 1000 pounds and backed out because he wanted 6000 pounds????


Good grief. 1000 pounds is $5000 at that time. His price was always $30,000, and that's apparently exactly what 6000 pounds was.

I mean if that's all this is about....? Don't get me wrong. I still believe if he signed the contract he should honor it. But I can't see too many people blaming him for refusing $5000 as champion and wanting $30,000 which other champs like Tommy Burns got when he fought him.