Jack Johnson's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 18, 2026

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Jack Johnson.

Jack Johnson, nicknamed the "Galveston Giant", was an American boxer and the first African American world heavyweight boxing champion (1908–1915) during the Jim Crow era. His victory over James J. Jeffries in 1910, a fight dubbed the "fight of the century", triggered race riots across the U.S. Johnson was a prominent and controversial figure, considered by Ken Burns as "the most famous and the most notorious African American on Earth" for over a decade. He is remembered as one of boxing's most influential figures.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

January 1901: Rematch Against Klondike

In January 1901, Carroll organized a rematch between Johnson and Klondike in Memphis. Johnson won after Klondike quit in the 14th round.

February 5, 1903: Wins World Colored Heavyweight Championship

On February 5, 1903, at Hazard's Pavilion in Los Angeles, Johnson won a 20-round decision over Denver Ed Martin for the World Colored Heavyweight Championship.

July 1907: Knocks Out Bob Fitzsimmons

In July 1907, Johnson fought former champion Bob Fitzsimmons and knocked him out in two rounds.

December 26, 1908: Wins World Heavyweight Title

On December 26, 1908, Johnson won the world heavyweight title by defeating Tommy Burns at the Sydney Stadium in Australia. The police stopped the fight in the 14th round, and the championship was awarded to Johnson.

1908: Becomes First Black Heavyweight Champion

In 1908, Jack Johnson became the first black world heavyweight boxing champion during the Jim Crow era.

October 16, 1909: Knocks Out Stanley Ketchel

On October 16, 1909, Johnson knocked out Stanley Ketchel in the 12th round with a devastating right to the jaw during a fight.

July 4, 1910: "Fight of the Century" Against Jeffries

On July 4, 1910, the fight between Johnson and Jeffries took place in Reno, Nevada. Johnson dominated and Jeffries' corner threw in the towel in the 15th round.

1910: "Fight of the Century" Against James J. Jeffries

In 1910, Johnson fought James J. Jeffries in a match dubbed the "fight of the century". Johnson defeated Jeffries, triggering race riots across the U.S.

July 9, 1921: Released from Leavenworth Penitentiary

On July 9, 1921, Johnson was released from the United States Penitentiary, Leavenworth.

1954: Inducted into The Ring magazine's Boxing Hall of Fame

In 1954, Johnson was an inaugural inductee to The Ring magazine's Boxing Hall of Fame.

1987: The Ring magazine's Boxing Hall of Fame disbanded

In 1987, The Ring magazine's Boxing Hall of Fame was disbanded.

1990: Inducted into International Boxing Hall of Fame

In 1990, Johnson was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

2002: Named one of 100 Greatest African Americans

In 2002, scholar Molefi Kete Asante listed Jack Johnson on his list of 100 Greatest African Americans.

2006: "Unforgivable Blackness" wins award

In 2006, Geoffrey C. Ward's book, "Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson" won the William Hill Sports Book of the Year award.

2008: Bill requesting pardon passed the House

In 2008, a bill which requested that President George W. Bush pardon Johnson passed the House, but failed to pass in the Senate.

April 2009: Request for a presidential pardon

In April 2009, Senator John McCain, along with Representative Peter King, film maker Ken Burns, and Johnson's great-niece, Linda Haywood, requested a presidential pardon for Johnson from President Barack Obama.