Contents
Jack Johnson
Becoming the first Black world heavyweight boxing champion in 1908.
Historic championship · Jeffries fight
- Born
- 31 March 1878
- Birthplace
- Galveston, Texas, United States
- Died
- 10 June 1946
More people
Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson’s defensive skill and confidence carried him to boxing’s most prestigious title. His success and refusal to conform to racist expectations made him a central figure in the history of sport and race in America.
Early life
Galveston roots
Was born to formerly enslaved parents in Texas.
Working beginnings
Left school young, worked manual jobs and developed his boxing in local contests.
Career
- 1890s
Professional beginnings
Started fighting professionally before pursuing title opportunities.
- 1903
Recognised contender
Won the World Colored Heavyweight Championship while the main title remained racially restricted.
- 1908
World champion
Defeated Tommy Burns in Sydney for the heavyweight title.
- 1915
Title lost
Lost the championship to Jess Willard in Havana.
Achievements
Historic championship
Became the first Black world heavyweight champion.
Jeffries fight
Defeated former champion James J. Jeffries in Reno.
Heavyweight reign
Held the world title for more than six years.
Beyond sport
Life outside the ring
Ran businesses including Chicago’s Café de Champion nightclub.
Posthumous pardon
Received a presidential pardon in 2018 for his 1913 Mann Act conviction, widely recognised as racially motivated.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Smithsonian — Jack Johnson ↗Photo: File:Jack Johnson LCCN2001704425.jpg : George Grantham Bain Collection. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
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