Used in the Exhibit: Play by Play - A Century of L.A. Sports Photography, 1889-1989 At age seven, James Jeffries moved with his family to Los Angeles. He fought often at Hazard's Pavilion, one of L.A.'s first sports venues, and in 1899 won the heavyweight championship by defeating Bob Fitzsimmons. He retired undefeated in 1904, but was lured back into the ring six years later, in part by racist backers who yearned for him to defeat Jack Johnson, the first black heavyweight champ. The original "Great White Hope" proved to be no match for the younger, more powerful Johnson, who delighted in knocking out Jeffries in the 15th round. Jeffries then retired permanently and lived out his days in Burbank.
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