Racism in the World of Boxing

You should take a look at the history of Jack Johnson and Joe Louis. Joe Louis public image was built to be the complete opposite of Johnson, because after Johnson promoters agreed that they would never have a black champion anymore. That's why a guy like Sam Langford never won a title, even if he is one of the best fighters of all time.

 

How 'bout Ray Robinson, and how he was denied a title shot for a long time? I know this had more to do with mafia control over the game than out and out racism, but if I recall what I've read the 'boys' had their color preferences that were other than green.

 

Larry Holmes vs. Gerry Cooney. I believe the outcome of that fight triggered a race riot.

Edit: Actually, I'm not so sure if there was a riot, but there were certainly racial tensions among fans before and after the fight.

 

Speaking of riots in the arena, the Bowe/Golota I riot in MSG had a lot more to do with skin color than it did low blows.

 

Also, I don't think you can talk about racism or just color in boxing if Ali isn't brought into the conversation; as a guy who did much to break stereotypes and knock down barriers.

But Rock, you got too much to do in one night. Best to conjure up an excuse and buy yourself an extension. By the way, nothing is sacred when lying to a professor; though when claiming the death or dire sickness of a close relative I always found it a lot easier on my conscious to pick one that was already long deceased. Good luck!

 

Haha, i know the feeling of being so gifted! Nar i try to avoid them kind of antics as much as i can this year. Anyhow, these are great pointers the guys have given you. 'Charley Burley and the Black Murderer's Row' would be a great reference you could make if you could work it into your work somehow. Like Chinx said about his example, more to do with the Mafia control of the time, but definitely an element of racial aspect there and the title ''Charley Burley and the Black Murderer's Row' would fit perfectly in there. You come to the right place to get top marks here pal!

 

Jefferies-Johnson. Biggest racist fight of all time.

 

The fact Dempsey/Willard didn't face the number 1 ranked contender of 7-9years in Harry Wills simply because he was black

 

I guess that's why they gave LaMotta a shot so quickly?

 

No, I'm sure you're right. The only thing they were really concerned with was business. And neither Jake nor Ray were the easiest guys to control. But if all other things were equal, white fighters probably sold more tickets, and given that, they'd go white if they could. Funny isn't it, even talking about racism where the mafia's concerned, and maybe that was your point.

 

Also look up 'Black Dynamite Crew' and 'Black Murderers Row' both are groups of the best fighters of their era that couldn't get a fair chance to fight for world titles or fight the best white fighters