New Book on Johnson-Jeffries

“Dateline Reno” by Hagar and Clifton debuts!

It’s a unanimous decision that the new book “Johnson-Jeffries: Dateline Reno” by Ray Hagar and Guy Clifton packs a knockout punch.

Released during the 100th Anniversary weekend of the history-making bout between heavyweights Jack Johnson and Jim Jeffries, this comprehensive hardback made its debut earlier this month in Reno, Nevada, where the “Fight of the Century” was held.

I had a chance to chat with the two authors as they held a book signing at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino. The writing duo are the perfect pair to take on such a daunting task in recreating a look back in time through exclusive photos, reprints of articles, letters and so much more from the early 1900s, including rare Art Buel cartoons revealed in 96 pages throughout their book. Seen through various Reno-area newspapers during that century, you’ll get an insider’s view and feel of the real climate during this racially-charged era.

Racism is never pretty and in this gem of a book, the authors do not attempt to “whitewash” the ugly facts, choosing to let any derogatory statements or visuals play themselves out, just like they did in newspapers published over 100 years ago.

When Johnson, the first Black heavyweight champ, faced off against Jeffries, saddled with the pressure of being “Great White Hope,” the whole world watched. And the world was eyeballing the little town of Reno as the the two fighters fought for much, much more than just bragging rights and a championship title.

When Johnson’s dark hand was raised in victory, race riots across the land ensued. Hagar and Clifton takes us through the times in this detailed book in which the four principal parties of the fight, Jack Johnson, Jim Jeffries, Tex Rickard, and Denver Dickerson, are brought to life.

In one of my favorite chapters of the book, there is a vivid blow-by-blow account of the 15 rounds of Johnson and Jeffries’ scheduled 45 round slugfest. It’s a colorful retelling of the legendary battle that–with one clang of the bell at 2:44 p.m.–forever changed history. So significant was the outcome that the nation watched and waited to hear the results as they strained to capture every moment of the “Black vs. White” brawl. Leaping out from the pages of the Reno Evening Gazette is a photo and headline blasting “Johnson is Victor” in such a large bold font the book says is usually only reserved for war. Clearly, the boxing match crossed all boundaries.

For those who don’t have time for a lot of heavy reading (in this age of electronic media), there are tons of powerful images showcased on almost every page of the tome. It truly is a flash back in history–all self-contained in Hagar and Clifton’s ode to July 4, 1910. The newspaper veterans do a great job in preserving pugilism history as they go travel back in time documenting the tension of the era–and all its flaws exposed–when blatant racism lurked heavily, both in and out of the ring.

I also enjoyed flipping through the pages and reading the comprehensive profiles featured in the book. Boxing fans, history buffs and everyone in between should find this a good read. And if you really love boxing, then this is truly a MUST-read for you! Hagar and Clifton have definitely delivered the goods in their new book.

The gentlemen are well known in Reno and beyond. Hagar has dedicated over 35 years in journalism, with stints as a sports editor at four newspapers in both Texas and Nevada and is currently a gaming and political reporter for the Reno Gazette-Journal (RGJ). Clifton, a Nevada native, is senior reporter and columnist for the RGJ.

During the Centennial Celebration held earlier this month, I asked the writing duo the amount of time spent on this project and how long it actually took them to write it from beginning to end.

“It took us six months!” Guy answered.

“Wow, that’s really fast,” I replied.

“We worked our asses off!” he chuckled. “We worked hard since we wanted it to coincide with the anniversary.”

The guys continued to tell me that they holed up for several days and nights with a sole focus on writing, writing and more writing.

Their sacrifice paid off as many Reno residents and out-of-town visitors and fans stopped by to congratulate the two writers, both southpaws, and get their own autographed copies of the new publication with its full title of “Johnson-Jeffries: Dateline Reno, The Fight of the Century,” As told through the pages of Reno’s newspapers.

As the two well-regarded scribes from the venerable Reno Gazette-Journal continued to sign copies for fans, a familiar face greeted the writing partners. Making his way through the crowd was boxing referee Jay Nady. “Coach Nady!” author Hagar exclaimed when he saw his friend. As the two men spoke for a few minutes, I noticed Ray kept calling him “Coach,” so I asked how long they’ve known each other. They first met through the sport of football and their friendship was further cemented through the sweet science.

“Jay Nady was my line coach in 1970 at Bishop Manogue!” Hagar, a former high school football player tells me. “We were 10-0 as the AA State Champs,” he adds with a smile.

Referee Nady, who boxed and played football at the University of Nevada, Reno, is also a longtime friend of a beloved local icon, referee Mills Lane. It was Lane’s two sons, Terry and Tommy, who helmed this mega weekend of events to commemorate the centennial.

I caught up with Hagar’s co-author Clifton a couple of weeks after the debut of their book to hear his thoughts about the memorable anniversary in Reno.

“I thought the weekend truly was historic,” he says. “The highlight for me was the bringing together of the families of Jack Johnson, Jim Jeffries, Tex Rickard and Denver Dickerson. They embraced the event and made it special.”

Did anything surprise them while penning the book?

“Ray and I are both longtime newspapermen, so we marveled at how the papers were able to produce so much copy and still make their deadlines!”

Just in time for the relaxing days of summer, this is a book every boxing aficionado should have in their collection. And just like I have, you’ll find yourself immersed in the pages within its comfortable 8 1/2″ x 11″ size. Under the Pediment Publishing banner, the book has already received a bushel of accolades for the two dedicated journalists.

The writers are both thrilled and humbled by the wide-spread attention “Dateline Reno” has garnered them.

“The book was really well-received,” Clifton comments. “I think people appreciated that it was a unique take on the fight, looking at it through the eyes of Reno’s newspapers of 1910.”

To order: www.johnsonjeffriesbook.com and www.amazon.com