Jack Johnson

  • Jess Willard: The Great White Hope’s Journey in Professional Boxing

    Jess Willard’s Heavyweight Shock: Giant

    A late start, then a title challenge Willard turned professional in 1911, at about 29, an age when many fighters already had years of experience. He built momentum with his strength and stamina, eventually earning a shot at Johnson, the reigning champion and the first Black world heavyweight champion....
  • Sam Langford: The Boston Tar Baby’s Pioneering Legacy in Professional Boxing

    Sam Langford’s Fearsome Power

    A prodigy from Weymouth Falls Langford was born in 1883 in Weymouth Falls, a Black community in Nova Scotia. He turned professional around the turn of the century and quickly earned a reputation for skill well beyond his experience. In 1903 he defeated reigning lightweight champion Joe Gans in...
  • Tommy Burns: The Canadian Dynamo’s Pioneering Path in Professional Boxing

    Tommy Burns’ Heavyweight Defiance

    A small heavyweight wins the crown Burns turned professional around 1900 and steadily worked his way into the heavyweight ranks. On February 23, 1906, he fought Marvin Hart in Los Angeles for the world title and won a 20-round decision. Library and Archives Canada’s account of Burns’s career documents...
  • James J Jeffries Tribute

    Jim Jeffries’ Heavyweight Fortress

    A champion built on pressure and stamina Born in Carroll, Ohio, in 1875, Jeffries worked as a boilermaker before his rise through professional boxing. Tall, strong and exceptionally conditioned, he became known for wearing opponents down with sustained pressure. He won the world heavyweight title in 1899 by knocking...
  • Jack Johnson Was Untouchable This Is Why

    Jack Johnson Smashed Boxing’s Color Line—and Refused to Bow

    On December 26, 1908, Jack Johnson defeated Tommy Burns in Sydney, Australia, becoming the first Black world heavyweight boxing champion. The…...