Episode 2: The Fight

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Black as Jack ... the fight that challenged a nation

Episode 2 ... The Fight

December 26, 1908. Overnight rain cleared on the morning of the fight. A good omen. God was on the right side. Some women sneaked in, disguised as men so they could see the fight. The first round was as dramatic as any other part of the fight. Outside the stadium pictures of Burns had plunged to a penny while Johnson was sixpence ... but no-one was buying. Though that day some punters took the hint and backed black horses. They won ... rather handsomely too.

Footage of the fight...

Credits...

Produced by Produced by Blue Trumpet for Radio 2RRR, Sydney, Australia
Researched by Ray Rose
Adapted for radio by James Benn
Voices in order of appearance…

  • Will Scott
  • Kiaran Green
  • Virgil Canaway
  • Hardy Scott
  • Brett Dark
  • David Biltmore
  • Kelvin Haisman
  • Silvio Ofria
  • Gerry O'Sullivan
  • Kambiz Afrachteh
  • James Benn
  • Ray Rose
  • Tony Gilmartin
  • Marty Waters
  • Phil Coventry
  • Johnny Boxer
  • Sue Thompson
  • Guy Dutton
  • Kirsten Shaw
  • Becky Mendham
  • Wayne ‘Mac’ McDaniel
  • Chris Virtue
  • Peter McAllum
  • Jamie Thompson
  • Paul Steckler
  • Terence Priester
  • Teddy Doyle

Introductions and credits by Amie Maguire
Special thanks to Sue Liolio for support, talent scouting, costume AND set design.