December 26th, 1908. Boxing Day.
Sydney's Rushcutter's Bay, Australia.
A Century Ago.

"A Large Black Cat Played With A Small White Mouse."

"Galveston Giant" Jack Johnson wins the World's Heavyweight Championship from Tommy Burns of Canada.



"On the day after Christmas 1908, a large black cat played with a small white mouse in a combination boxing match-cum-game, less for fistic nourishment than for sadistic pleasure.
The fight was, in the words of columnist Jack London, "No fight," as Johnson fought with the armor of arrogance, expressing a contempt for opponents and fans alike as he played his audience like a band leader checking his sections, flashing his gold teeth and taunting Burns with verbal winks --'Come on, leedle Tahmmy, come right here where I want you.' " - Bert Sugar

Johnson had followed Burns around the world pushing for a title shot, a bout that no promoter would touch...apparently.
Australian promoter Hugh "Huge Deal" McIntosh guaranteed the then-unheard of purse of 30 thousand dollars to Champion Tommy Burns if he met Jack Johnson for the title.
Hugh "Huge Deal" McIntosh himself was the third-man-in-the-ring for the historic clash.

In front of 20 thousand spectators, the 1-sided shellacking was finally halted in Rd 14.



The Jack Johnson years had begun.
1908 to 1915. The Championship years.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T5zIHuD0BU

For 30 year old Jack Johnson, the party had just begun.





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