Jack Johnson (1878 - 1946)

Considered by many as not only the best boxer to set foot in the ring but also one of the cleverest.

The big man from Galveston, Texas, defied the white establishment to become the first black heavyweight champion.

He was a confidante of Rasputin, lover of women, fast cars and poetry. The first boxer to abandon the old centre-of-the-mill style in favour of a more scientific style. With superb reflexes, amazing defence and power in both hands, Johnson was the complete package.