His famous fight with Jim Jeffries came about after besting the boxer’s younger brother in the ring and publicly calling out Jeffries in front of a crowded house. Interesting Fact: Jack Johnson all but invented smack-talk. Jack Johnson’s accomplishments paved the way for another boxing legend, Muhammad Ali, who credits Johnson with imbuing him with the flair and bravado synonymous with The People’s Champion, aka, The Louisville Lip.
Johnson had accomplished his goal to become the first African American heavyweight champion and maintained the title until 1915. After five years, Johnson secured a bout with the current champ, Canadian Tommy Burns – besting him in a 14 round fight. However, white boxers of the time refused to step into the ring with the champ. In 1903 Johnson became the “Colored Heavyweight Champion” and set his sights on the Heavyweight title. While many may confuse his name with the folksy, soft-rock, surf-guitar singer-songwriter, Jack Johnson was the first African American heavyweight boxing champion in the world.
