American · Galveston, USA · Born 31 March 1878American heavyweight boxer who became the first African American world heavyweight champion, holding the title from 1908 to 1915 during a racially charged era.
Jack Johnson was the first Black heavyweight champion of the world, winning the title in 1908 against Tommy Burns and defending it for seven years against all challengers. A brilliant boxer who used shoulder rolls, footwork, and counterpunching long before these techniques became fashionable, Johnson was a dominant champion whose greatness was inseparable from the racial politics of his era. He remains one of boxing's most significant and groundbreaking figures.
First African American heavyweight champion
How They Played
Defensive counterpuncher with excellent ring IQ
Lasting Impact
Broke racial barriers in boxing, controversial figure who challenged social norms
Career Honours
- World Heavyweight Champion 1908–1915
- First African American World Heavyweight Boxing Champion
- Lineal Heavyweight Champion 1908–1915
- Defeated Tommy Burns to claim World Heavyweight Title 1908
- Successfully defended World Heavyweight Title against Stanley Ketchel 1909
- Successfully defended World Heavyweight Title against Jim Jeffries 1910
- Successfully defended World Heavyweight Title against Frank Moran 1914
- Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year (historical recognition)
- Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame 1990
- Inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame
- Ring Magazine ranked among the greatest heavyweight champions of all time
American Athletes