Jack Johnson Loses Heavyweight Title to Jess Willard in Havana

Jack Johnson lost the world heavyweight championship to Jess Willard in a 26-round bout in Havana, Cuba on April 5, 1915. The circumstances were disputed, with Johnson later claiming he took a dive under a deal with U.S. authorities to return from exile. The loss ended the reign of the first Black heavyweight champion and temporarily restored white supremacy in boxing's most visible arena.