On February 22, 1924, Jack Johnson, the first African American heavyweight boxing champion, faced Homer Smith in Montreal, but the match disappointed the 5,000 fans present. Johnson, born in 1878, made history by defeating Tommy Burns in 1908, challenging racial barriers. Despite his celebrated career, his later years showed decline, culminating in a lackluster performance against Smith. Johnson’s legacy, however, endures, inspiring future black heavyweight champions like Joe Louis and Muhammad Ali.
Jack Johnson’s Historic Fight in Montreal
On February 22, 1924, the legendary Jack Johnson, the first African American heavyweight boxing champion, made his third visit to Montreal to face off against Homer Smith at the St-Denis Theatre. Unfortunately for the 5,000 fans in attendance, the highly anticipated match ended in disappointment, as the performance did not meet expectations.
The Life and Legacy of Jack Johnson
Born in Galveston, Texas, in 1878, Jack Johnson embarked on his boxing journey in 1897 and quickly gained a reputation as a formidable fighter. In a racially divided America, it was commonly accepted for black athletes to hold titles in lower divisions, but not in the esteemed heavyweight category. With only three losses in 78 bouts, Johnson sought a championship fight against Canadian Tommy Burns, who continuously evaded him.
Finally, on December 26, 1908, in Sydney, Australia, Johnson faced Burns and emerged victorious in the 14th round, earning the title of the world’s strongest man. This victory sent shockwaves through conservative white America. Johnson unabashedly celebrated his identity, indulging in luxurious cars, upscale venues, and extravagant fashion, and even controversially dating and marrying white women—actions that were frowned upon during that era.
In response, the search for the “Great White Hope” began, as opponents like Stanley Ketchel and James Jeffries fell to Johnson in the ring. Ultimately, it was Jess Willard, a taller and heavier fighter, who knocked Johnson out in the 26th round of their bout in Havana, leading to Johnson losing his title. Facing a biased justice system, Johnson went into exile but continued to captivate audiences with his boxing prowess.
However, the bout in Montreal proved to be lackluster. The aging champion, now 45 years old, struggled against Smith, going down multiple times without solid hits. The frustrated crowd began to chant “Fixed,” as they sensed Johnson’s lack of genuine effort, leading many newspapers to label the event as a farce or a comedic spectacle.
Despite this disappointing chapter, Jack Johnson fought on for several more years, returning to the ring multiple times before retiring in 1931. He passed away in 1946 but left behind a legacy of resilience and skill that inspired future generations of black heavyweight champions, including icons like Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, and Mike Tyson, paving the way for their success.