1916 Madison Square Garden: Boxing Match Preparations

This historical photograph, captured in March 1916, takes us right into the hustle and bustle of Madison Square Garden as preparations are underway for a boxing match between heavyweight champions Jess Willard and Frank Moran. The image showcases the arenas setup, filled with workers and equipment pivotal to staging such a grand event. At the time, Madison Square Garden was a leading venue for sports and entertainment in New York City, drawing crowds for its various activities, from concerts to boxing bouts.

Jess Willard, known as the Fighting Cowboy, and Frank Moran were at the height of their careers, and their matchup was highly anticipated. The fight eventually took place on June 6, 1916, marking a significant moment in boxing history, as Willard would go on to win the title. This photograph not only documents the logistics involved in hosting such a prominent sporting event but also reflects the early 20th centurys fascination with boxing, a sport that captivated millions and laid the groundwork for modern professional fighting.