Jack Johnson All Time Ranking

Johnson's resume isn't as glittery as later heavyweight champ s but that's largely because of the era he fought in.
He consistently beat the best opponents in front of him , including several hall of fame level guys.
Your judging him by by modern standards with out considering the complex of the time s he fought in gives an incomplete picture.

 

I have him 11th in my Top 15.

 

I could judge him by 1930's standards and arrive at the same conclusion. Even with Dempsey''s egregious ducking of Wills I find his resume better. By Louis's time there is little comparison.

 

Does Dempsey have a better resume? Whatever idleness Johnson had as champion was forced upon him. Dempsey went Hollywood.

 

Johnson was run out of his own country becoming a fugitive. That had to impact his title reign.

 

Dempsey had a much easier career as contender/champ. In fact, it couldn't be more drastic. Dempsey had the rails greased for him while Johnson fought uphill the whole time.

 

I haven't been too impressed with him on film. I think that his historical standing greatly outweighs his in-ring ability.