Jack Johnson, the first black world heavyweight boxing champion, 1908 (1951)

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Jack Johnson, the first black world heavyweight boxing champion, 1908 (1951)

Jack Johnson, the first black world heavyweight boxing champion, 1908 (1951). Nicknamed the Galveston Giant, Jack Johnson (1878-1946) became world champion in 1908 when he defeated Canadas Tommy Burns in Sydney. There was considerable opposition to the concept of a black man being world heavyweight champion, and a succession of great white hopes attempted to take the title from Johnson. In 1910 in what was billed the fight of the century, the former undefeated champion James J Jeffries came out of retirement to fight Johnson in Reno, Nevada. Jeffries stated I am going into this fight for the sole purpose of proving that a white man is better than a negro and the fight took place in a highly charged atmosphere of racial tension. Johnson dominated the fight, and Jeffries corner pulled him out in the 15th round to prevent him suffering a knockout. Johnson earned $225, 000 from his victory, which sparked race riots across the United States. He held the world title until 1915, when he was defeated by Jess Willard. A print from 100 Years in Pictures, A panorama of History in the Making, text by DC Somervell, Odhams press Limited, London, 1951

Media ID 14951588

© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images

Boxer Boxing Champion Fighter Heavyweight Hero Heroic Heroism Jack Johnson Negro Posing Print Collector12 Racism Sports Personality Sportsman World Champion

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