Sujet
Jack Johnson, American boxer, 1910. Artist: Unknown
Légende
Jack Johnson, American boxer, 1910. Nicknamed the 'Galveston Giant', Jack Johnson (1878-1946) became world champion in 1908 when he defeated Canada's Tommy Burns in Sydney. There was considerable opposition to the concept of a black man being world heavyweight champion, and a succession of 'great white hopes' attempted to take the title from Johnson. In 1910 in what was billed 'the fight of the century', the former undefeated champion James J Jeffries came out of retirement to fight Johnson in Reno, Nevada. Jeffries stated I am going into this fight for the sole purpose of proving that a white man is better than a negro and the fight took place in a highly charged atmosphere of racial tension. Johnson dominated the fight, and Jeffries' corner pulled him out in the 15th round to prevent him suffering a knockout. Johnson earned $225,000 from his victory, which sparked race riots across the United States. He held the world title until 1915, when he was defeated by Jess Willard.
Historica Graphica Collection
Date
1864
Crédit
Photo12/Heritage Images/Historica Graphica Collection
Notre référence
HRM19D78_377
Model release
Non
Licence
Droits gérés
Format disponible
40,4Mo (2,0Mo) / 23,4cm x 43,2cm / 2765 x 5106 (300dpi)