Who was the first elite super heavyweight?

"Sam McVey Punches Denver Martin to Sleep in First Round With Three Stomach Blows Oxnard Negro Is Fit to Meet Jeffries EXPERTS ASTONISHED AT WONDERFUL IMPROVEMENT Eastern Man Unable to Make Any Showing Whatever Against His Opponent " Los Angeles Herald, Sept 16, 1903.
Johnson was without doubt number one black heavyweight at this time, and McVey with his win over Martin was a clear cut number two. From that point until 1911. Sam was at least number 3/4 black heavyweight, depending where you rate or find him in his series with Joe Jeanette. A win over Langford in 1911 puts him into a clear number 2 at this point and until Wills really got his measure in 1918 he at the very least was up with Johnson, Langford or Jeanette as the top black heavyweight.
Tate 1916-18, probably his peak?
"ST. LOUIS, MO.. May 2. Sam Langford of Chicago knocked out Bill Tate
of New York In the sixth round of a scheduled twelve round bout. A right
hook to the Jaw which Langford put over while Tate was holding sent Tate
down and out. It was Sam's bout, all the way. Tate did a lot of holding and
backed away most of the time. Langford kept after him all the time and inflicted severe punishment about the
body."
v GUNBOAT SMITH="Smith had the upper-hand almost throughout" (Smith past his best).
1918 v Jack Thompson "Thompson won after a listless contest in which Tate made a sorry exhibition against his burly opponent,,," etc
And loads more. Having said that, he was better than his record suggests but his best performances were against Langford who was well known for creating meal-tickets.