GOAT Index

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Jack Johnson: the case for the GOAT

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    Jack Johnson: the case for the GOAT

    Heavyweight · USA · Born 31 March 1878, Galveston, Texas, USA · Died 1946 · Career 1898–1938

    'The Galveston Giant', the first Black world heavyweight champion. A slick defensive boxer and counterpuncher far ahead of his time, he fought in the face of fierce racism.

    Career highlights

    Why Jack Johnson could be the GOAT

    Johnson won the heavyweight title in 1908 and held it for nearly seven years against a hostile establishment that searched for a 'Great White Hope' to beat him. His defensive skill and counterpunching were decades ahead of the era. Measured by what he overcame to become and remain champion, his case is unique.

    What fans say

    Jack Johnson is #4 of 25 in the fan ranking, with a 2–0 head-to-head record from 19 Men's boxing votes. See the full Men's boxing GOAT ranking

    Jack Johnson head to head

    How the ranking works. Every head-to-head vote is a result, like a game. The standings use a Bradley–Terry model, the same idea behind chess ratings: beating a highly rated legend counts for more than beating a long shot. Ratings are shown on a chess-style scale centred on 1500.

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