John ( Jack ) Johnson ( 1878 - 1946 ) was a boxer who became the first African American world heavyweight champion. Johnson won his first title in 1903, beating Denver Ed Martin in a match for the World Colored Heavyweight Champion. After that he won the World Heavyweight title from Tommy Burns ( white Canadian ) on Boxing Day 1908. In 1915 he lost his title to Jess Willard.
His boxing career reflects the racism in white society. Many white people felt humiliated by his victories.