American boxer
Harry Wills
Harry Wills in 1916
Born Harry Wills
(1889-05-15 ) May 15, 1889Died December 21, 1958(1958-12-21) (aged 69) Nationality American Other names The Black Panther Statistics Weight(s) Heavyweight Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) Reach 84 in (213 cm) Stance Orthodox
Boxing record Total fights 111; with the inclusion of newspaper decisions Wins 89 Wins by KO 56 Losses 10 Draws 7
Harry Wills (May 15, 1889 – December 21, 1958) was a heavyweight boxer who held the World Colored Heavyweight Championship three times. Many boxing historians consider Wills the most egregious victim of the "color line" drawn by white heavyweight champions. Wills fought for over 20 years (1911–1932), and was ranked as the number-one challenger for the world heavyweight championship, but was denied the opportunity to fight for the title. Of all the black contenders between the heavyweight championship reigns of Jack Johnson and Joe Louis , Wills came closest to securing a title shot. BoxRec ranks him among 10 best heavyweights in the world from 1913 to 1924, and as No.1 heavyweight from 1915 to 1917 and many regard him as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. [ 1]
His managers included Jim Buckley and Paddy Mullins.[ 2] [ 3]
Boxing career
Wills in France in 1920
Wills fought many of the top heavyweights of his era. He defeated Willie Meehan , who had decisioned Jack Dempsey , Gunboat Smith and Charley Weinart. He also fought Luis Firpo in a match that ended in a no decision . Wills faced future heavyweight champion Jack Sharkey in 1926, and was being decisively beaten when he was disqualified. The next year, Wills was knocked out by heavyweight contender Paolino Uzcudun in a bout that signalled the end of his reign as a serious title contender. His final record was 75 wins (with 47 knockouts), 9 losses and 2 draws. In 2003, he was named to the Ring Magazine 's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time.[ 2]
The top black fighters of Wills' era were forced to continuously fight each other, as many white fighters also drew the "color line". As a result, Wills fought the redoubtable Sam Langford 22 times. His record against Langford was 6 wins, 2 losses and 14 no decisions. The two losses were by knockout. He beat Langford three times for the colored heavyweight title, with Langford winning it back twice. (He was forced to vacate his third title when he fought Jack Sharkey in 1926 and lost the bout due to a disqualification.) Wills also defeated colored heavyweight champ Sam McVey three times and fought two no-decision bouts with Joe Jeanette .[ 2]
In May 1922, the New York Daily News polled its readers, asking them to choose Dempsey's next title opponent. Over 45,000 readers responded, and Wills finished first with 12,177 votes. Dempsey initially said he was willing to fight Wills, but the bout was never scheduled.[ 4]
Aborted 1926 Dempsey-Wills heavyweight title match
Midwestern boxing promoter Floyd Fitzsimmons rendered a check to Wills for his fee, but failed to produce even a downpayment for Dempsey's much larger fee for a bout between the two fighters, who had, in July 1925, signed an agreement for a 1926 title match, which never materialized as a result. Disagreement has existed among boxing historians as to whether Dempsey had avoided Wills—though Dempsey swore he was willing to fight him—as having said he would no longer fight Black boxers after winning the title. Wills twice attempted to sue Dempsey for breach of contract over the canceled bout, which had also been barred in New York State on orders from Governor Alfred E. Smith by Athletic Commissioner James Farley ,[ 5] [ 6] [ 7] an early champion of African-American equal rights due to his public threats to resign from the Athletic Commission if Wills was not given the fight against the champion Dempsey, as Farley deemed Wills the number one contender.[ 8] A deadly race riot in the wake of Jack Johnson vs. James J. Jeffries also created reluctance to promote the match.[ 9] [ 10] The stand taken by Commissioner Farley would help enable Farley to add the African American vote to the New Deal coalition as Franklin D. Roosevelt 's campaign manager and subsequently Chairman of the Democratic National Committee from the Republican Party, which had traditionally up until the 1930s controlled the African American voting block as the party of Lincoln.[ 11]
Retirement
Harry and Sarah Willis
Wills retired from boxing in 1932, and ran a successful real estate business in Harlem , New York . He was known for his yearly fast, in which, once a year, he would subsist on water for a month. Wills admitted that his biggest regret in life was never getting the opportunity to fight Dempsey for the title. Wills was confident that he would have won such a match.
Wills died at Jewish Memorial Hospital in New York City of complications from diabetes on December 21, 1958.[ 12]
Legacy and honors
In 2020 award-winning author Mark Allen Baker published the first comprehensive account of The World Colored Heavyweight Championship, 1876-1937, with McFarland & Company, a leading independent publisher of academic & nonfiction books. This history traces the advent and demise of the Championship, the stories of the talented professional athletes who won it, and the demarcation of the color line both in and out of the ring.
For decades the World Colored Heavyweight Championship was a useful tool to combat racial oppression-the existence of the title a leverage mechanism, or tool, used as a technique to counter a social element, “drawing the color line.”
Harry Wills was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992.
Professional boxing record
All information in this section is derived from BoxRec ,[ 13] unless otherwise stated.
Official record
111 fights
70 wins
9 losses
By knockout
56
5
By decision
14
1
By disqualification
0
3
Draws
3
No contests
5
Newspaper decisions/draws
24
All newspaper decisions are officially regarded as “no decision” bouts and are not counted in the win/loss/draw column.
No.
Result
Record
Opponent
Type
Round, time
Date
Location
Notes
111
Win
70–9–3 (29)
Big John Glover
KO
1 (10), 1:05
Oct 19, 1932
Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
110
Win
69–9–3 (29)
Vinko Jakasa
KO
1 (10), 1:20
Aug 4, 1932
Fort Hamilton Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.
109
Win
68–9–3 (29)
Jack Rose
KO
6 (10)
Feb 11, 1931
Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
108
Win
67–9–3 (29)
Andres Castano
KO
3 (10), 1:06
Dec 11, 1929
New York Coliseum, New York City, New York, U.S.
107
Loss
66–9–3 (29)
Andres Castano
DQ
1 (12)
Sep 14, 1929
El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, Mexico City, Mexico
For Mexico heavyweight title; Wills DQ'd for hitting Castano after the bell
106
Loss
66–8–3 (29)
Paulino Uzcudun
KO
4 (15), (1:27)
Jul 13, 1927
Ebbets Field, New York City, New York, U.S.
105
Loss
66–7–3 (29)
Jack Sharkey
DQ
13 (15), (0:43)
Oct 12, 1926
Ebbets Field, New York City, New York, U.S.
Wills DQ'd for illegal backhand
104
Win
66–6–3 (29)
Floyd Johnson
TKO
1 (12), (2:02)
Oct 26, 1925
1st Regiment Armory, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
103
Win
65–6–3 (29)
Charley Weinert
KO
2 (10)
Jul 2, 1925
Polo Grounds, New York City, New York, U.S.
102
Win
64–6–3 (29)
Luis Ángel Firpo
NWS
12
Sep 11, 1924
Boyle's Thirty Acres, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
101
Win
64–6–3 (28)
Bartley Madden
PTS
15
Jun 9, 1924
Queensboro Stadium, New York City, New York, U.S.
100
Win
63–6–3 (28)
Jack Thompson
TKO
4 (12), 2:06
Nov 5, 1923
1st Regiment Armory, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
99
Win
62–6–3 (28)
Homer Smith
KO
2 (10), 2:06
Oct 11, 1923
Queensboro Stadium, New York City, New York, U.S.
98
Win
61–6–3 (28)
Clem Johnson
TKO
12 (?), 1:55
Sep 29, 1922
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
97
Win
60–6–3 (28)
Tut Jackson
KO
3 (15), 2:05
Aug 29, 1922
Ebbets Field, New York City, New York, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
96
Win
59–6–3 (28)
Buddy Jackson
KO
2 (12), 2:14
Aug 21, 1922
Broad A.C., Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
95
Win
58–6–3 (28)
Jeff Clark
KO
3 (10)
Jul 17, 1922
Amphitheatre Rink, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Retained world colored heavyweight title
94
Win
57–6–3 (28)
Jeff Clark
TKO
2 (12)
Jun 30, 1922
Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
93
Win
56–6–3 (28)
Kid Norfolk
KO
2 (15)
Mar 2, 1922
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
92
Win
55–6–3 (28)
Sam Langford
PTS
10
Jan 17, 1922
Arena, Milwaukie, Oregon, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
91
Draw
54–6–3 (28)
Bill Tate
PTS
10
Jan 6, 1922
Arena, Milwaukie, Oregon, U.S.
Both fighter claimed the black heavyweight title
90
Loss
54–6–2 (28)
Bill Tate
DQ
1 (10), 2:50
Jan 2, 1922
Arena, Milwaukie, Oregon, U.S.
Tate claimed the black heavyweight title; Wills DQ'd for knocking down Tate on the referee's break
89
Win
54–5–2 (28)
Bill Tate
PTS
12
Dec 8, 1921
Stockyards Stadium, Denver, Colorado, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
88
NC
53–5–2 (28)
Jack Thompson
NC
5 (12)
Nov 30, 1921
Stockyards Stadium, Denver, Colorado, U.S.
World colored heavyweight title at stake; Referee stopped the fight, but gave no decision after Thompson fell and claimed a foul
87
Win
53–5–2 (27)
Denver Ed Martin
KO
1 (10), 2:05
Nov 18, 1921
Arena, Milwaukie, Oregon, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
86
Win
52–5–2 (27)
Clem Johnson
TKO
6 (12)
Nov 10, 1921
Riverside Arena, Covington, Kentucky, U.S.
85
Win
51–5–2 (27)
Edward "Gunboat" Smith
KO
1 (20), 1:07
Oct 10, 1921
Stadium, Havana, Cuba
84
Win
50–5–2 (27)
Bill Tate
TKO
6 (15)
Jul 2, 1921
Queensboro Stadium, New York City, New York, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
83
Win
49–5–2 (27)
Ray Bennett
KO
1 (15), 2:12
Jun 4, 1921
Queensboro Stadium, New York City, New York, U.S.
82
Win
48–5–2 (27)
Battling Jim McCreary
KO
7 (10)
Jun 3, 1921
Arena, Syracuse, New York, U.S.
81
Win
47–5–2 (27)
Andy Johnson
KO
1 (?)
May 27, 1921
Broadway Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
80
Win
46–5–2 (27)
Jack Thompson
NWS
8
Apr 8, 1921
Odeon Theater, Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.
79
Win
46–5–2 (26)
Jeff Clark
TKO
2 (12)
Feb 11, 1921
Bob Wright's Coliseum, Highlandtown, Maryland, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
78
Win
45–5–2 (26)
Bill Tate
KO
2 (15), 1:18
Jan 17, 1921
Broadway Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
77
Win
44–5–2 (26)
Jeff Clark
TKO
4 (10)
Sep 15, 1920
Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
76
NC
43–5–2 (26)
Sam McVea
NC
6 (8)
Sep 8, 1920
Ice Palace, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
World colored heavyweight title at stake; Fight stopped for "stalling"
75
Win
43–5–2 (25)
Fred Fulton
KO
3 (12), 2:35
Jul 26, 1920
1st Regiment Armory, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
74
Win
42–5–2 (25)
Ray Bennett
TKO
1 (4)
Jun 1, 1920
Armory A.A. Hall, Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S.
73
Win
41–5–2 (25)
Sam Langford
PTS
15
Apr 23, 1920
Stockyards Stadium, Denver, Colorado, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
72
Win
40–5–2 (25)
Andy Johnson
KO
1 (10)
Mar 17, 1920
Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
71
Win
39–5–2 (25)
Jack Thompson
PTS
15
Jan 12, 1920
Convention Hall, Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
70
NC
38–5–2 (25)
Jack Thompson
NC
3 (4)
Jan 1, 1920
Coliseum, San Francisco, California, U.S.
World colored heavyweight title at stake
69
Win
38–5–2 (24)
Ole Anderson
TKO
3 (4)
Dec 4, 1919
Coliseum, San Francisco, California, U.S.
68
Win
37–5–2 (24)
Edward K.O. Kruvosky
TKO
1 (4)
Nov 20, 1919
Coliseum, San Francisco, California, U.S.
67
Win
36–5–2 (24)
Sam Langford
PTS
15
Nov 5, 1919
Convention Hall, Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
66
Win
35–5–2 (24)
Joe Jennette
NWS
8
Oct 20, 1919
4th Regiment Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
World colored heavyweight title at stake; (via KO only)
65
Win
35–5–2 (23)
Sam Langford
NWS
10
Sep 30, 1919
Arena, Syracuse, New York, U.S.
World colored heavyweight title at stake; (via KO only)
64
Win
35–5–2 (22)
Jeff Clark
TKO
4 (10)
Aug 18, 1919
Arena, Syracuse, New York, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
63
Win
34–5–2 (22)
Sam Langford
NWS
8
Jul 4, 1919
Sportsman's Park, Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.
World colored heavyweight title at stake; (via KO only)
62
Win
34–5–2 (21)
John Lester Johnson
NWS
8
Jun 10, 1919
Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
World colored heavyweight title at stake; (via KO only)
61
Draw
34–5–2 (20)
Jack Thompson
NWS
8
Nov 15, 1918
Atlantic City S.C., Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
60
Win
34–5–2 (19)
Jack Thompson
NWS
6
Sep 14, 1918
National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
59
Win
34–5–2 (18)
Jeff Clark
TKO
5 (8)
Aug 19, 1918
Atlantic City S.C., Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
58
Win
33–5–2 (18)
Sam McVea
PTS
20
Jun 16, 1918
Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama
Retained world colored heavyweight title
57
Win
32–5–2 (18)
Sam Langford
TKO
8 (20)
May 19, 1918
Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama
Retained world colored heavyweight title
56
Win
31–5–2 (18)
Sam Langford
KO
6 (20)
Apr 14, 1918
Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama
Won world colored heavyweight title
55
Win
30–5–2 (18)
Sam McVea
KO
5 (20)
Feb 17, 1918
Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama
54
Win
29–5–2 (18)
Jeff Clark
TKO
5 (15)
Dec 16, 1917
Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama
53
Draw
28–5–2 (18)
Sam Langford
NWS
12
Nov 12, 1917
Coliseum, Toledo, Ohio, U.S.
World colored heavyweight title at stake; (via KO only)
52
Win
28–5–2 (17)
Sam Langford
NWS
10
Sep 20, 1917
Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S.
World colored heavyweight title at stake; (via KO only)
51
Win
28–5–2 (16)
Battling Jim Johnson
NWS
10
Jun 1, 1917
Harlem S.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
50
Win
28–5–2 (15)
Sam Langford
NWS
6
May 11, 1917
Cambria A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
49
Win
28–5–2 (14)
Jack Thompson
NWS
10
Apr 30, 1917
Vanderbilt A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
48
Loss
28–5–2 (13)
Battling Jim Johnson
TKO
2 (12)
Feb 7, 1917
Future City A.C., Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.
47
Win
28–4–2 (13)
Jack Thompson
NWS
10
Nov 28, 1916
Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S.
46
Win
28–4–2 (12)
Jack Thompson
KO
8 (10)
Nov 18, 1916
Fairmont A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
45
Win
27–4–2 (12)
Bill Tate
NWS
10
Nov 11, 1916
Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S.
44
Win
27–4–2 (11)
George Kid Cotton
TKO
4 (10)
Oct 13, 1916
Harlem S.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
43
Win
26–4–2 (11)
George Kid Cotton
TKO
4 (10)
Jun 3, 1916
Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S.
42
Win
25–4–2 (11)
Jeff Clark
PTS
20
May 19, 1916
Louisiana Auditorium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
41
Win
24–4–2 (11)
Sam Langford
NWS
8
Apr 25, 1916
Coliseum, Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.
40
Win
24–4–2 (10)
John Lester Johnson
NWS
10
Apr 7, 1916
Harlem S.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
39
Win
24–4–2 (9)
Sam Langford
NWS
10
Mar 7, 1916
Broadway Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.
World colored heavyweight title claim at stake; (via KO only)
38
Loss
24–4–2 (8)
Sam Langford
KO
19 (20)
Feb 11, 1916
Tommy Burns Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Lost world colored heavyweight title claim
37
Win
24–3–2 (8)
Sam Langford
PTS
20
Jan 3, 1916
Tulane A.C., New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title claim
36
Win
23–3–2 (8)
Sam Langford
NWS
10
Dec 3, 1915
Harlem S.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
World colored heavyweight title claim at stake; (via KO only)
35
Win
23–3–2 (7)
Sam McVea
PTS
12
Sep 7, 1915
Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Won world colored heavyweight title claim
34
Win
22–3–2 (7)
Battling Jim Johnson
NWS
10
Jul 5, 1915
Sacandaga Park, Gloversville, New York, U.S.
33
Loss
22–3–2 (6)
Sam McVea
NWS
10
May 19, 1915
St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.
32
Win
22–3–2 (5)
John Lester Johnson
PTS
20
Mar 12, 1915
Tommy Burns Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
31
Loss
21–3–2 (5)
Sam McVea
PTS
20
Dec 20, 1914
McDonoghville Park, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
30
Loss
21–2–2 (5)
Sam Langford
KO
14 (20)
Nov 26, 1914
Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.
For world colored heavyweight title
29
Win
21–1–2 (5)
Jim Cameron
PTS
4
Oct 30, 1914
Dreamland Rink, San Francisco, California, U.S.
28
Win
20–1–2 (5)
Charles Horn
KO
1 (4)
Oct 16, 1914
Dreamland Rink, San Francisco, California, U.S.
27
Win
19–1–2 (5)
Charles "Sailor" Grande
PTS
4
Oct 9, 1914
Dreamland Rink, San Francisco, California, U.S.
26
Win
18–1–2 (5)
Charlie Miller
KO
1 (4)
Sep 18, 1914
Dreamland Rink, San Francisco, California, U.S.
25
Win
17–1–2 (5)
Willie Meehan
PTS
4
Sep 4, 1914
Dreamland Rink, San Francisco, California, U.S.
24
Win
16–1–2 (5)
Battling Brandt
TKO
4 (4)
Aug 21, 1914
Pavilion Rink, San Francisco, California, U.S.
23
Win
15–1–2 (5)
Mexican Pete Everett
KO
2 (?)
Aug 2, 1914
Sonora, Sonora, Mexico
22
Win
14–1–2 (5)
Soldier Elder
KO
1 (?)
Jul 4, 1914
El Paso, Texas, U.S.
21
Draw
13–1–2 (5)
Joe Jennette
NWS
10
Jun 9, 1914
National Baseball Park, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
20
Draw
13–1–2 (4)
Sam Langford
NWS
10
May 1, 1914
National Baseball Park, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
World colored heavyweight title at stake; (via (KO) only)
19
Win
13–1–2 (3)
Rough House Ware
KO
10 (20)
Feb 7, 1914
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Exact date unknown
18
Win
12–1–2 (3)
George Kid Cotton
KO
4 (10)
Jan 8, 1914
Northside A.C., New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
17
Win
11–1–2 (3)
Jimmy Sullivan
KO
1 (10)
Dec 9, 1913
Northside A.C., New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
16
Win
10–1–2 (3)
George Kid Cotton
KO
3 (10)
Oct 3, 1913
Pelican Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
15
Draw
9–1–2 (3)
Joe Jennette
PTS
10
Jul 1, 1913
Northside A.C., New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
14
Draw
9–1–1 (3)
Jeff Clark
PTS
10
Jun 18, 1913
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
13
Win
9–1 (3)
Kid Brown
KO
2 (?)
Feb 2, 1913
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Exact date unknown
12
ND
8–1 (3)
Jack Graves
ND
10
Jan 1, 1913
United States of America
Date and location of this fight unknown
11
Win
8–1 (2)
Jack Tholmer
KO
5 (10)
Nov 20, 1912
Northside A.C., New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
10
ND
7–1 (2)
Dave Mills
ND
10
Aug 13, 1912
Elks Club, El Paso, Texas, U.S.
9
Win
7–1 (1)
Kid Brown
KO
6 (?)
May 5, 1912
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Exact date unknown
8
Win
6–1 (1)
Ben Peden
KO
3 (?)
Apr 4, 1912
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Exact date unknown
7
Loss
5–1 (1)
George Kid Cotton
KO
2 (10)
Feb 14, 1912
Louisiana A.C., New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
6
Win
5–0 (1)
Sam Collier
KO
7 (?)
Feb 2, 1912
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
5
Win
4–0 (1)
Harry Brown
KO
2 (?)
Jan 1, 1912
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Exact date unknown
4
Win
3–0 (1)
Nat Dewey
NWS
10
Oct 25, 1911
Louisiana A.C., New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
3
Win
3–0
Kid Navarro
KO
1 (?)
Mar 1, 1911
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Exact date unknown
2
Win
2–0
Battling Taylor
KO
4 (?)
Feb 2, 1911
Rock Island, Illinois, U.S.
Exact date unknown
1
Win
1–0
Casey White
KO
4 (?)
Jan 2, 1911
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Professional debut; Exact date unknown
Unofficial record
111 fights
89 wins
10 losses
By knockout
56
6
By decision
33
1
By disqualification
0
3
Draws
7
No contests
5
Record with the inclusion of newspaper decisions in the win/loss/draw column.
No.
Result
Record
Opponent
Type
Round
Date
Location
Notes
111
Win
89–10–7 (5)
Big John Glover
KO
1 (10), 1:05
Oct 19, 1932
Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
110
Win
88–10–7 (5)
Vinko Jakasa
KO
1 (10), 1:20
Aug 4, 1932
Fort Hamilton Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.
109
Win
87–10–7 (5)
Jack Rose
KO
6 (10)
Feb 11, 1931
Coliseum Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
108
Win
86–10–7 (5)
Andres Castano
KO
3 (10), 1:06
Dec 11, 1929
New York Coliseum, New York City, New York, U.S.
107
Loss
85–10–7 (5)
Andres Castano
DQ
1 (12)
Sep 14, 1929
El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, Mexico City, Mexico
For Mexico heavyweight title; Wills DQ'd for hitting Castano after the bell
106
Loss
85–9–7 (5)
Paulino Uzcudun
KO
4 (15), (1:27)
Jul 13, 1927
Ebbets Field, New York City, New York, U.S.
105
Loss
85–8–7 (5)
Jack Sharkey
DQ
13 (15), (0:43)
Oct 12, 1926
Ebbets Field, New York City, New York, U.S.
Wills DQ'd for illegal backhand
104
Win
85–7–7 (5)
Floyd Johnson
TKO
1 (12), (2:02)
Oct 26, 1925
1st Regiment Armory, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
103
Win
84–7–7 (5)
Charley Weinert
KO
2 (10)
Jul 2, 1925
Polo Grounds, New York City, New York, U.S.
102
Win
83–7–7 (5)
Luis Ángel Firpo
NWS
12
Sep 11, 1924
Boyle's Thirty Acres, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
101
Win
82–7–7 (5)
Bartley Madden
PTS
15
Jun 9, 1924
Queensboro Stadium, New York City, New York, U.S.
100
Win
81–7–7 (5)
Jack Thompson
TKO
4 (12), 2:06
Nov 5, 1923
1st Regiment Armory, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
99
Win
80–7–7 (5)
Homer Smith
KO
2 (10), 2:06
Oct 11, 1923
Queensboro Stadium, New York City, New York, U.S.
98
Win
79–7–7 (5)
Clem Johnson
TKO
12 (?), 1:55
Sep 29, 1922
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
97
Win
78–7–7 (5)
Tut Jackson
KO
3 (15), 2:05
Aug 29, 1922
Ebbets Field, New York City, New York, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
96
Win
77–7–7 (5)
Buddy Jackson
KO
2 (12), 2:14
Aug 21, 1922
Broad A.C., Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
95
Win
76–7–7 (5)
Jeff Clark
KO
3 (10)
Jul 17, 1922
Amphitheatre Rink, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Retained world colored heavyweight title
94
Win
75–7–7 (5)
Jeff Clark
TKO
2 (12)
Jun 30, 1922
Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
93
Win
74–7–7 (5)
Kid Norfolk
KO
2 (15)
Mar 2, 1922
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
92
Win
73–7–7 (5)
Sam Langford
PTS
10
Jan 17, 1922
Arena, Milwaukie, Oregon, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
91
Draw
72–7–7 (5)
Bill Tate
PTS
10
Jan 6, 1922
Arena, Milwaukie, Oregon, U.S.
Both fighter claimed the black heavyweight title
90
Loss
72–7–6 (5)
Bill Tate
DQ
1 (10), 2:50
Jan 2, 1922
Arena, Milwaukie, Oregon, U.S.
Tate claimed the black heavyweight title; Wills DQ'd for knocking down Tate on the referee's break
89
Win
72–6–6 (5)
Bill Tate
PTS
12
Dec 8, 1921
Stockyards Stadium, Denver, Colorado, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
88
NC
71–6–6 (5)
Jack Thompson
NC
5 (12)
Nov 30, 1921
Stockyards Stadium, Denver, Colorado, U.S.
World colored heavyweight title at stake; Referee stopped the fight, but gave no decision after Thompson fell and claimed a foul
87
Win
71–6–6 (4)
Denver Ed Martin
KO
1 (10), 2:05
Nov 18, 1921
Arena, Milwaukie, Oregon, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
86
Win
70–6–6 (4)
Clem Johnson
TKO
6 (12)
Nov 10, 1921
Riverside Arena, Covington, Kentucky, U.S.
85
Win
69–6–6 (4)
Edward "Gunboat" Smith
KO
1 (20), 1:07
Oct 10, 1921
Stadium, Havana, Cuba
84
Win
68–6–6 (4)
Bill Tate
TKO
6 (15)
Jul 2, 1921
Queensboro Stadium, New York City, New York, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
83
Win
67–6–6 (4)
Ray Bennett
KO
1 (15), 2:12
Jun 4, 1921
Queensboro Stadium, New York City, New York, U.S.
82
Win
66–6–6 (4)
Battling Jim McCreary
KO
7 (10)
Jun 3, 1921
Arena, Syracuse, New York, U.S.
81
Win
65–6–6 (4)
Andy Johnson
KO
1 (?)
May 27, 1921
Broadway Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
80
Win
64–6–6 (4)
Jack Thompson
NWS
8
Apr 8, 1921
Odeon Theater, Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.
79
Win
63–6–6 (4)
Jeff Clark
TKO
2 (12)
Feb 11, 1921
Bob Wright's Coliseum, Highlandtown, Maryland, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
78
Win
62–6–6 (4)
Bill Tate
KO
2 (15), 1:18
Jan 17, 1921
Broadway Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
77
Win
61–6–6 (4)
Jeff Clark
TKO
4 (10)
Sep 15, 1920
Municipal Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
76
NC
60–6–6 (4)
Sam McVea
NC
6 (8)
Sep 8, 1920
Ice Palace, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
World colored heavyweight title at stake; Fight stopped for "stalling"
75
Win
60–6–6 (3)
Fred Fulton
KO
3 (12), 2:35
Jul 26, 1920
1st Regiment Armory, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
74
Win
59–6–6 (3)
Ray Bennett
TKO
1 (4)
Jun 1, 1920
Armory A.A. Hall, Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S.
73
Win
58–6–6 (3)
Sam Langford
PTS
15
Apr 23, 1920
Stockyards Stadium, Denver, Colorado, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
72
Win
57–6–6 (3)
Andy Johnson
KO
1 (10)
Mar 17, 1920
Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
71
Win
56–6–6 (3)
Jack Thompson
PTS
15
Jan 12, 1920
Convention Hall, Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
70
NC
55–6–6 (3)
Jack Thompson
NC
3 (4)
Jan 1, 1920
Coliseum, San Francisco, California, U.S.
World colored heavyweight title at stake
69
Win
55–6–6 (2)
Ole Anderson
TKO
3 (4)
Dec 4, 1919
Coliseum, San Francisco, California, U.S.
68
Win
54–6–6 (2)
Edward K.O. Kruvosky
TKO
1 (4)
Nov 20, 1919
Coliseum, San Francisco, California, U.S.
67
Win
53–6–6 (2)
Sam Langford
PTS
15
Nov 5, 1919
Convention Hall, Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
66
Win
52–6–6 (2)
Joe Jennette
NWS
8
Oct 20, 1919
4th Regiment Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
World colored heavyweight title at stake; (via KO only)
65
Win
51–6–6 (2)
Sam Langford
NWS
10
Sep 30, 1919
Arena, Syracuse, New York, U.S.
World colored heavyweight title at stake; (via KO only)
64
Win
50–6–6 (2)
Jeff Clark
TKO
4 (10)
Aug 18, 1919
Arena, Syracuse, New York, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
63
Win
49–6–6 (2)
Sam Langford
NWS
8
Jul 4, 1919
Sportsman's Park, Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.
World colored heavyweight title at stake; (via KO only)
62
Win
48–6–6 (2)
John Lester Johnson
NWS
8
Jun 10, 1919
Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
World colored heavyweight title at stake; (via KO only)
61
Draw
47–6–6 (2)
Jack Thompson
NWS
8
Nov 15, 1918
Atlantic City S.C., Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
60
Win
47–6–5 (2)
Jack Thompson
NWS
6
Sep 14, 1918
National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
59
Win
46–6–5 (2)
Jeff Clark
TKO
5 (8)
Aug 19, 1918
Atlantic City S.C., Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title
58
Win
45–6–5 (2)
Sam McVea
PTS
20
Jun 16, 1918
Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama
Retained world colored heavyweight title
57
Win
44–6–5 (2)
Sam Langford
TKO
8 (20)
May 19, 1918
Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama
Retained world colored heavyweight title
56
Win
43–6–5 (2)
Sam Langford
KO
6 (20)
Apr 14, 1918
Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama
Won world colored heavyweight title
55
Win
42–6–5 (2)
Sam McVea
KO
5 (20)
Feb 17, 1918
Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama
54
Win
41–6–5 (2)
Jeff Clark
TKO
5 (15)
Dec 16, 1917
Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama
53
Draw
40–6–5 (2)
Sam Langford
NWS
12
Nov 12, 1917
Coliseum, Toledo, Ohio, U.S.
World colored heavyweight title at stake; (via KO only)
52
Win
40–6–4 (2)
Sam Langford
NWS
10
Sep 20, 1917
Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S.
World colored heavyweight title at stake; (via KO only)
51
Win
39–6–4 (2)
Battling Jim Johnson
NWS
10
Jun 1, 1917
Harlem S.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
50
Win
38–6–4 (2)
Sam Langford
NWS
6
May 11, 1917
Cambria A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
49
Win
37–6–4 (2)
Jack Thompson
NWS
10
Apr 30, 1917
Vanderbilt A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
48
Loss
36–6–4 (2)
Battling Jim Johnson
TKO
2 (12)
Feb 7, 1917
Future City A.C., Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.
47
Win
36–5–4 (2)
Jack Thompson
NWS
10
Nov 28, 1916
Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S.
46
Win
35–5–4 (2)
Jack Thompson
KO
8 (10)
Nov 18, 1916
Fairmont A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
45
Win
34–5–4 (2)
Bill Tate
NWS
10
Nov 11, 1916
Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S.
44
Win
33–5–4 (2)
George Kid Cotton
TKO
4 (10)
Oct 13, 1916
Harlem S.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
43
Win
32–5–4 (2)
George Kid Cotton
TKO
4 (10)
Jun 3, 1916
Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, U.S.
42
Win
31–5–4 (2)
Jeff Clark
PTS
20
May 19, 1916
Louisiana Auditorium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
41
Win
30–5–4 (2)
Sam Langford
NWS
8
Apr 25, 1916
Coliseum, Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.
40
Win
29–5–4 (2)
John Lester Johnson
NWS
10
Apr 7, 1916
Harlem S.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
39
Win
28–5–4 (2)
Sam Langford
NWS
10
Mar 7, 1916
Broadway Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.
World colored heavyweight title claim at stake; (via KO only)
38
Loss
27–5–4 (2)
Sam Langford
KO
19 (20)
Feb 11, 1916
Tommy Burns Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Lost world colored heavyweight title claim
37
Win
27–4–4 (2)
Sam Langford
PTS
20
Jan 3, 1916
Tulane A.C., New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Retained world colored heavyweight title claim
36
Win
26–4–4 (2)
Sam Langford
NWS
10
Dec 3, 1915
Harlem S.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
World colored heavyweight title claim at stake; (via KO only)
35
Win
25–4–4 (2)
Sam McVea
PTS
12
Sep 7, 1915
Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Won world colored heavyweight title claim
34
Win
24–4–4 (2)
Battling Jim Johnson
NWS
10
Jul 5, 1915
Sacandaga Park, Gloversville, New York, U.S.
33
Loss
23–4–4 (2)
Sam McVea
NWS
10
May 19, 1915
St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.
32
Win
23–3–4 (2)
John Lester Johnson
PTS
20
Mar 12, 1915
Tommy Burns Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
31
Loss
22–3–4 (2)
Sam McVea
PTS
20
Dec 20, 1914
McDonoghville Park, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
30
Loss
22–2–4 (2)
Sam Langford
KO
14 (20)
Nov 26, 1914
Arena, Vernon, California, U.S.
For world colored heavyweight title
29
Win
22–1–4 (2)
Jim Cameron
PTS
4
Oct 30, 1914
Dreamland Rink, San Francisco, California, U.S.
28
Win
21–1–4 (2)
Charles Horn
KO
1 (4)
Oct 16, 1914
Dreamland Rink, San Francisco, California, U.S.
27
Win
20–1–4 (2)
Charles "Sailor" Grande
PTS
4
Oct 9, 1914
Dreamland Rink, San Francisco, California, U.S.
26
Win
19–1–4 (2)
Charlie Miller
KO
1 (4)
Sep 18, 1914
Dreamland Rink, San Francisco, California, U.S.
25
Win
18–1–4 (2)
Willie Meehan
PTS
4
Sep 4, 1914
Dreamland Rink, San Francisco, California, U.S.
24
Win
17–1–4 (2)
Battling Brandt
TKO
4 (4)
Aug 21, 1914
Pavilion Rink, San Francisco, California, U.S.
23
Win
16–1–4 (2)
Mexican Pete Everett
KO
2 (?)
Aug 2, 1914
Sonora, Sonora, Mexico
22
Win
15–1–4 (2)
Soldier Elder
KO
1 (?)
Jul 4, 1914
El Paso, Texas, U.S.
21
Draw
14–1–4 (2)
Joe Jennette
NWS
10
Jun 9, 1914
National Baseball Park, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
20
Draw
14–1–3 (2)
Sam Langford
NWS
10
May 1, 1914
National Baseball Park, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
World colored heavyweight title at stake; (via (KO) only)
19
Win
14–1–2 (2)
Rough House Ware
KO
10 (20)
Feb 7, 1914
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Exact date unknown
18
Win
13–1–2 (2)
George Kid Cotton
KO
4 (10)
Jan 8, 1914
Northside A.C., New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
17
Win
12–1–2 (2)
Jimmy Sullivan
KO
1 (10)
Dec 9, 1913
Northside A.C., New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
16
Win
11–1–2 (2)
George Kid Cotton
KO
3 (10)
Oct 3, 1913
Pelican Stadium, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
15
Draw
10–1–2 (2)
Joe Jennette
PTS
10
Jul 1, 1913
Northside A.C., New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
14
Draw
10–1–1 (2)
Jeff Clark
PTS
10
Jun 18, 1913
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
13
Win
10–1 (2)
Kid Brown
KO
2 (?)
Feb 2, 1913
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Exact date unknown
12
ND
9–1 (2)
Jack Graves
ND
10
Jan 1, 1913
United States of America
Date and location of this fight unknown
11
Win
9–1 (1)
Jack Tholmer
KO
5 (10)
Nov 20, 1912
Northside A.C., New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
10
ND
8–1 (1)
Dave Mills
ND
10
Aug 13, 1912
Elks Club, El Paso, Texas, U.S.
9
Win
8–1
Kid Brown
KO
6 (?)
May 5, 1912
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Exact date unknown
8
Win
7–1
Ben Peden
KO
3 (?)
Apr 4, 1912
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Exact date unknown
7
Loss
6–1
George Kid Cotton
KO
2 (10)
Feb 14, 1912
Louisiana A.C., New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
6
Win
6–0
Sam Collier
KO
7 (?)
Feb 2, 1912
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
5
Win
5–0
Harry Brown
KO
2 (?)
Jan 1, 1912
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Exact date unknown
4
Win
4–0
Nat Dewey
NWS
10
Oct 25, 1911
Louisiana A.C., New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
3
Win
3–0
Kid Navarro
KO
1 (?)
Mar 1, 1911
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Exact date unknown
2
Win
2–0
Battling Taylor
KO
4 (?)
Feb 2, 1911
Rock Island, Illinois, U.S.
Exact date unknown
1
Win
1–0
Casey White
KO
4 (?)
Jan 2, 1911
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Professional debut; Exact date unknown
References
^ "BoxRec's Annual Ratings: Heavyweight Annuals" . BoxRec. Retrieved 25 December 2020 .
^ a b c "George Wills" . BoxRec. Retrieved 8 August 2016 .
^ "Harry Wills" . Cyber Boxing Zone. Retrieved 8 August 2016 .
^ https://www.newspapers.com/image/410294899 New York Daily News, May 19, 1922
^ Dawson, James P. "Two Dempsey Bouts Signed By Rickard ", The New York Times , July 17, 1925. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
^ Weingarten, C. "The Myth of Dempsey-Wills", by Carl Weingarten, in The Bittersweet Science: Fifteen Writers in the Gym, in the Corner, and at Ringside , Carlo Rotella and Michael Ezra, Editors, The University of Chicago Press, Chicago, USA, 2017, pages 182 - 186. Retrieved July 28, 2018. ISBN 9780226346342
^ Barnett, R.E., et al Contracts: Cases and Doctrine , by Randy E. Barnett and Nathan B. Oman. Aspen Casebook Series , Wolters, Kluwer, New York, 2017, pages 88-89. Retrieved July 28, 2018. ISBN 9781454885641
^ "FARLEY WILL QUIT IF WILLS IS BARRED; Boxing Chairman Says Walker Law Should be Thrown Away if Politics Interferes. THREATENS RICKARD AGAIN Will Seek to Have Him Banned and Garden License Revoked if Dempsey Meets Tunney" . The New York Times . 5 June 1926. Retrieved June 6, 2020 .
^ Barak Y. Orbach. "THE JOHNSON-JEFFRIES FIGHT: 100 YEARS THENCE: THE JOHNSON-JEFFRIES FIGHT AND CENSORSHIP OF BLACK SUPREMACY" (PDF) . Law.nyu.edu . Retrieved 2016-01-09 .
^ BOXREC "Harry Wills", BOXREC.com, Retrieved July 28, 2018.
^ Lang, Arne K. (2008). Prizefighting: An American History . McFarland. p. 107. ISBN 978-0-7864-3654-5 . Retrieved June 6, 2020 .
^ "Harry Wills Dies at 66", Democrat and Chronicle", Rochester, New York, pg. 29, 22 December 1968
^ "BoxRec: Harry Wills" .
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