Memorable Images: Boxing: Jack Johnson Vs. James Jeffries

The first colored heavyweight champion in American history was Jack Johnson, who held sway from 1908 to 1915. In 1910, James Jeffries, hog-fat and long past his prime, attempted unsuccessfully to come out of retirement and beat Johnson. In contrast to Joe Louis' universal popularity today, Johnson's reign was resented by white fight fans who yearned for a "white hope" to depose him. Date: July 94, 1910. Location: Reno, Nevada.