JOHNSON, JACK ANTIQUE PHOTO (LATER YEARS)

John Arthur ("Jack") Johnson (March 31, 1878 – June 10, 1946), nicknamed the “Galveston Giant,” was an American boxer. At the height of the Jim Crow era, Johnson became the first African American world heavyweight boxing champion (1908–1915). In a documentary about his life, Ken Burns notes, "for more than thirteen years, Jack Johnson was the most famous and the most notorious African-American on Earth." Johnson attests that his success in boxing came from the coaching he received from Joe Choynski, who became his cellmate after the pair were arrested for fighting in Texas, where boxing was illegal at the time. The aging Choynski saw natural talent and determination in Johnson and taught him the nuances of defense, stating "A man who can move like you should never have to take a punch". He is considered a boxing legend and was the first person ever to knock down James J. Jeffries in a professional boxing bout. Their fight is to this day considered a seminal moment in boxing history. In his career Johnson posted victories over Tommy Burns, Stanley Ketchel, Al Kaufmann, Fireman Jim Flynn and Frank Moran. He lost his heavyweight title in 1915 in Havana, Cuba to Jess Willard. Offered here is an original, first generation wire photo of Jack Johnson posing in period dress in his later years.
This is an original, first generation photograph. Bold, clear image. Clean front and back. Not creased or torn, but does have several compressions. Edge and corner wear. 7" x 9 1/2."