A Southern Negro Is Heavy Weight Champion Of The World

A boxing match between the current heavyweight champion against a “negro” boxer, who clearly dominates the fight against the white fighter.

Sydney, N.S.W., Dec. 26 – Jack Johnson, the American Negro won the heavyweight championship of the world here this morning in the 14th round he had Tommy burns of Canada, the title holder in such a condition that the police ordered the fight stopped whereupon referee Hugh D McIntosh awarded his decision to Johnson amid a wild scene. Johnson outclassed Burns in practically every respect. He was faster in attack and defense delivered the more accurate and powerful blows, and gradually why the white man down. Burns was the aggressor at the outset and indulged in harsh rushing, the idea being to land a knockout blow in a rough mix up. The Negro was so shifty on his feet that it was difficult matter for Burns to reach a vital spot. So that he soon discovered that he was up against in most puzzling proposition.

“A Southern Negro Is Heavy Weight Champion Of The World,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed May 12, 2025, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/1842.