Johnson became the first black World Heavyweight champion in 1908 which made him unpopular with the predominantly white American boxing audiences.

Jeffries, a former heavyweight champion came out of retirement to fight Johnson and was nicknamed the "Great White Hope".

[1] Jack Johnson had attempted to become heavyweight champion in boxing for several years, but had trouble doing so as the sport was heavily segregated at the beginning of the 20th century.

He eventually did become world heavyweight champion after defeating Canadian boxer Tommy Burns in Sydney, Australia on December 26, 1908.

Johnson quickly began to dominate the fight and eventually defeated Jeffries with a knockout in the 15th round.

[1] Many white people were dismayed by the result of the fight and were angered by African-Americans celebrating Johnson's victory and began attacking them.

Around 400 Black Americans held a parade in Columbus, Ohio celebrating Johnson's victory, during which several brawls occurred.

Black people celebrating Johnson's victory were clubbed by police after they blocked streetcars and harassed passengers.

[6] The entire police force of Pueblo, Colorado was needed to quell a riot between black and white people.

[8] During a race riot in Uvalda, Georgia white gunmen opened fire on a construction camp housing black workers.

[4][6] In Wheeling, West Virginia, a black man driving an expensive car — just as the playboyish Jack Johnson was famous for — was beset by a mob and hanged.