Showing posts with label Black History. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Black History. Show all posts

Jack Johnson: Boxing History

Jack Johnson was an American boxer in the early 1900's.


A pretty amazing story of how Johnson become the most famous African American on Earth! The above photo was taken from his fight in Cuba vs Jess Willard in 1915. Just lasting the 26 rounds, Johnson won virtually every round up until his knockout and defeat in the 26th. Jess was hailed as the "Great white hope".


Unable to find boxing opponents after beating Jeffries (dubbed the fight of the century and resulting riots across the country) he turned to racing cars.

Ken Burns made a fantastic documentary "Unforgivable blackness. The rise and fall of Jack Johnson" which is well worth a watch. How times have changed? right.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-y7bdeRDLI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQqpjYGPUwQ