- In the months leading up to his legendary fight with Jack Johnson, Johnson ran his mouth about how he was going to destroy Willard, someone he considered to be a joke of a fighter. However, Willard got the last laugh when he literally knocked Johnson out cold in the 26th round (The longest ever prizefight under Queensberry rules). When later asked why he didn't respond with insults back at Johnson, he said "I let my fists do the talking.".
- Knocked out Bull Young and Young died of a broken neck.
- Scored a stunning upset by knocking out champion Jack Johnson to win the heavyweight title in 1915, ending Johnson's 7-year reign.
- Suffered a broken jaw, knocked out teeth, broken cheek bones, a broken nose, broken eye-socket, and broken ribs in his title loss to Jack Dempsey.
- Made a comeback at 42 and knocked out number 2 contender Floyd Johnson in an upset.
- Fought Victor McLaglen circa 1911. Eventually, McLaglen abandoned the ring for acting. Interestingly, in 1909, McLaglen had boxed in an exhibition match against heavyweight champion Jack Johnson, the man Willard beat for the title in 1915.
- Was elected to the Ring Boxing Hall of Fame in 1977.
- World heavyweight boxing champion from 1915 to 1919. Is the tallest heavyweight boxing champion in history.
- Inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame, 1989.
- Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, 2003.
- Became a professional boxer at 29.
- Lost his last fight at age 42 to Luis Firpo by knockout.
- Following the passing of Harry Harris in 1959, he became the oldest living world champion. When he died that status passed to Abe Attell.
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