Eps 7: Tommy Burns vs. Jack Johnson
In 1908, Tommy Burns, the heavyweight boxing champion, was looking for a challenger. Jack Johnson, an African American boxer, was interested in the title, but Burns refused to fight him. Johnson relentlessly pursued the fight, even taunting Burns in public. Burns finally agreed to the fight, but only after receiving a considerable amount of money. However, Johnson dominated the fight and won the championship, becoming the first black heavyweight boxing champion. This led to a nationwide search for a white boxer to defeat Johnson, and ultimately, the infamous "Great White Hope" campaign.
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Host
Adrian Bailey
Podcast Content
Tommy Burns was born on June 17, 1881, in Hanover, Ontario, Canada. He began boxing at a young age and turned professional in 1902. Burns quickly made a name for himself in the boxing world due to his impressive stamina and speed. He was known for his ability to outlast his opponents and wear them down over time.
On the other hand, Jack Johnson was born on March 31, 1878, in Galveston, Texas. Johnson was a dominant force in the boxing world. He was known for his superior strength, tactical ability, and quick thinking in the ring. Johnson held the title of the “Colored Heavyweight Champion” for several years before getting a shot at the heavyweight championship.
The Burns vs. Johnson fight was significant at the time due to its historical context. It was the first time a black heavyweight boxer had the opportunity to fight for the heavyweight championship title. Burns initially refused to fight Johnson, citing that he would not fight a black man. However, Johnson continued to press the issue, and the fight was eventually scheduled.
The fight took place in Sydney, Australia, and was attended by over 20,000 people. Burns and Johnson battled for 14 rounds, with Johnson dominating the fight from the start. Johnson’s superior strength and technical ability were on full display, and Burns was thoroughly outmatched.
In the 14th round, the referee stopped the fight, awarding the victory to Jack Johnson. The fight marked a significant turning point in boxing history, as Johnson became the first African American to win the heavyweight championship title. It also highlighted the racial tensions of the time, as Burns had initially refused to fight Johnson due to his skin color.
After the fight, racial tensions continued to escalate in the United States, with Johnson facing hostility and discrimination due to his race. However, Johnson remained a symbol of pride and hope for many African Americans, as he had achieved a level of success that was previously thought to be impossible.
In conclusion, the Burns vs. Johnson fight was a significant event in boxing history. It highlighted the racial tensions of the time, as well as the significance of African American representation in sports. The outcome of the fight marked a turning point in boxing history, as Jack Johnson became the first African American to win the heavyweight championship title. We hope you have gained some insight into this historic boxing match and its broader significance. Thank you for listening.