RENO, NEV. (June 18, 2010) — A limited number of free tickets are available to a July 2nd gala celebrating the centennial of one of boxing’s greatest bouts — the Johnson-Jeffries 1910 heavyweight fight.
The gala will run from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Grand Theatre of the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno. Guests will be able to mingle with boxing writers and historians, local dignitaries, and the families of Heavyweight Champions Jack Johnson and Jim Jeffries during the gala..
A 30-minute documentary featuring rare footage of the bout and the preparations for the historic fight will be presented by Wayne Rozen, author of America on the Ropes, and co-emceed by Al Bernstein and Rich Marotta.
The film will recount the events surrounding the title fight between Jack Johnson, the nation’s first African-American World Champion, and Jim Jeffries, “The Great White Hope.” Johnson defeated Jeffries in 15 rounds to retain his heavyweight crown on a custom-made boxing ring in downtown Reno in front of more than 20,000 spectators.
The boxing match was more about social equality and racial politics than jabs and upper-cuts — a history that Let’s Get It On Promotions CEO Terry Lane said the centennial gala will celebrate.
“Before the live boxing and the other centennial events, we wanted to set aside a special moment to recognize the social and cultural legacy of one of the world’s greatest fights,” said Lane, who is organizing the event.
Memorabilia from the 1910 fight, including the original fight bell and a portion of the ring mat, will be displayed at the gala. Appetizers from the Grand Sierra Resort’s feature restaurants will be served.
Gala tickets are limited. To receive a free ticket, e-mail tiffany@letsgetitonboxing.com.
For more information on history of the Johnson-Jeffries fight and a full list of events during the three-day centennial celebration, visit www.johnsonjeffries2010.com.