Jack Johnson
VERSUS
Tommy Burns
● LIVE_ARCHIVE
DEC 26, 1908
Historical Narrative
Breaking the Line
This was not merely sport. For years, white champions refused to fight Black challengers. Tommy Burns accepted for a guaranteed $30,000—the highest purse in history at the time.
Tape Analysis
Height6′ 1½” / 5′ 7″
Weight212 lbs / 175 lbs
Tactical Breakdown
The Golden Smile
Johnson performed. He conversed with ringside writers and smiled while absorbing punches. He physically held Burns up in the clinch to prolong the punishment.
Official Record
Stoppage
In Round 14, police stormed the ring to stop the fight—preventing the cameras from capturing a white champion being knocked out cold.
CONTINUE THE JOURNEY
The Full Fights
