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Jack Johnson, the first black world heavyweight boxing champion, 1908 (1951). Artist: Unknown

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 Canada's 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.
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Title:
Jack Johnson, the first black world heavyweight boxing champion, 1908 (1951). Artist: Unknown
Caption:
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 Canada's 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.
Credit:
Album / The Print Collector / Heritage Images
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Model: No - Property: No
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Image size:
3056 x 5704 px | 49.9 MB
Print size:
25.9 x 48.3 cm | 10.2 x 19.0 in (300 dpi)
Keywords: