Fred also was a professional boxer and a legitimate contender for the heavyweight title, held by Jess Willard.
Among the famous natives of Pottawatomie County are world heavyweight boxing champion Jess Willard and automobile manufacturer Walter Chrysler.
Fred Willard | Willard Van Orman Quine | Willard Libby | Jess Conrad | Willard Parker Hospital | Willard InterContinental Washington | Willard Fiske | Josiah Willard Gibbs | Jess Willard | Jess Nevins | Jess Margera | Emma Willard | William Willard Ashe | Willard Van Dyke | Willard Grant Conspiracy | Jess Loren | Jess Dobkin | Charles Arthur Willard | Willard Wigan | Willard White | Willard Straight Hall | Willard Saulsbury, Sr. | Willard Price | Willard Motley | Willard Metcalf | Willard Mack | Willard | Roderick James "Jess" McMahon | Jess Wright | Jess Walton |
From 1912–1915 Smith established himself as a leading candidate for the heavyweight title, beating among others British and British Empire champion Bombadier Billy Wells and future world champion Jess Willard, and beating and losing to Sam Langford in two fights (this is especially notable since many white fighters refused to fight black opponents).