Jack Johnson Biography
Early Training, Success In The Ring, Chronology, Controversial Figure, Legacy As A Boxer
1878-1946
American boxer
Jack Johnson was the first African American to hold the title of world heavyweight champion, a distinction he earned by defeating Tommy Burns in a 1908 fight. During an era of blatant racism, Johnson was a flamboyant character who provoked a worldwide search for the "Great White Hope" who could defeat him. Johnson, both as a brilliant fighter and as a man who lived lavishly, was one of the most well-known sports figures of his day. Boxing historian Nat Fleischer wrote in 1949, "after years devoted to the study of heavyweight fighters,
Jack Johnson
I have no hesitation in naming Jack Johnson as the greatest of them all."
Sketch by Christine M. Kelley
Additional topics
- Don King Biography - Early Years, A Prison Education, Chronology, Awards And Accomplishments, The Promoter, Rumble In The Jungle
- Evander Holyfield Biography - "you Finish It Out", The Rise Of A Boxer, Chronology, A Plethora Of Titles - SELECTED WRITINGS BY HOLYFIELD:
- Jack Johnson - Early Training
- Jack Johnson - Success In The Ring
- Jack Johnson - Chronology
- Jack Johnson - Controversial Figure
- Jack Johnson - Legacy As A Boxer
- Jack Johnson - Selected Writings By Johnson:
- Jack Johnson - Awards And Accomplishments
- Jack Johnson - Further Information
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