Jack Johnson was a fascinating boxer who had more pressure than anyone else, imo. He's my favorite fighter from before my generation.
He was the ultimate villain or underdog, depending on one's point of view. When he won a title match against a white man, dozens of black people were lynched. How many athletes can deal with the pressure of their success causing deaths and race riots? In addition, the racist press was openly seeking a great white hope to defeat him.
Plus, he had to contend with his own government unfairly coming after him for bigoted reasons. Nailing him with the Mann Act was a farce....all because he dated white women and KO'ed white men. Even Ali didn't have to deal with this much.
I'm hoping that he receives his well deserved pardon...
You shit-kicking, stinky, horse-manure-smelling motherfucker you! If you ever get out of line over there again, I'll smash your fucking head so hard you won't be able to get that cowboy hat on. You hear me? Fucking hick. -Nicky (Casino)
