Do you have Jack Johnson in your top 5 HWs of all time?

Lack of perspective.

In 1946 Ray Robinson and Tommy Bell were the two best challengers for the Vacant Welterweight Crown. Still the promoters Mike Jacobs I believe had to ask the boxing writers if it was ok for two black boxers to fight for a title. This is the Welterweight crown. Johnson held the symbol the worlds most powerful man the Heavyweight Crown and White America was foaming at the mouth as it was.

 

Many champions consistently fought the best opponents available-Anthony Joshua, Wladimir Klitschko, Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, to give a few names.

 

That`s what he should have done yes. Give up the crown.

 

If white America is pissed off Johnson has the option of fighting outside the United States where racism is less virulent.

 

I believe there were race riots after Johnson beat Jefferies. Some folks died black and White. Terrible violence. It was an ugly time.

 

I agree with this in principle, but reading McVey's post it seems to have been difficult for a title fight with any of the top black fighters to find promotors or even be sanctioned.

 

According to McVey he did agree to fight Langford and McVey in Australia, but him jumping bail scuppered the thing.

 

No doubt he could have found a way to make the fight happen somewhere, he faced Battling Jim Johnson who was black so clearly race wouldn't have stopped the fight from happening.

 

From a modern day Justice warrior stand point, sure.

I have watched all of the available film of Johnson and I just dont get it, advanced for his time, sure, but that is not saying much for the level of skill displayed in those years......I just do not see this greatness in him that so many people see, straight out of a time machine he would get murdered by many top Heavies from the last , say, 50 years IMO.

On a side note, he could not leave his pants unzipped back then............today the temptation is 1000 times higher as far as fast women are concerned , ultimately it would be his undoing one way or the other, a Leopard does not change his skin.

 

Yes.

Of course not.

 

I'm confused. Why are people talking about money? Is this thread about Johnson's all time ranking as a businessman?

 

According to Mendoza, Johnson pulled of of a signed match to meet Langford in 1909. Now that would have been a historic fight. McVey Agrees.

Credit to Clay's book.

 

Correct. But what 80% of hardcore boxing fans don't know is the extent of his struggles in the ring vs. lesser opponents or smaller men. For that, you need to read the fight reports.

If Wlad Klitschko of Anthony Johsua fought his title opponents, the promoter and commission who sanctioned those fights, yikes.

I agree with you, if Jack were around today he's an actor or musician. Possibly an African American Republican, for certain a " me too " type of guy. Oh, the crowd who loves him now might be shocked.

 

Yes because that is a common practice.lol

 

If he signs to fight them and the offers are withdrawn whose fault is that?