ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Boxing Hall of Fame unveiled a special exhibit celebrating Jack Johnson, the first African-American heavyweight boxing champion. The exhibit featured artifacts from the early 1900s, showcasing Johnson's resilience, achievements, and his fight against segregation in the boxing world.

Johnson claimed the heavyweight title in 1908, and his 1910 bout against James J. Jeffries, dubbed "The Fight of the Century," remains a landmark in boxing history.

What You Need To Know

  • The Rochester Boxing Hall of Fame honored Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight champion, with an exhibit featuring original artifacts from his career

  • Johnson’s courage during the Jim Crow era and his groundbreaking achievements inspired generations of boxers and transcended the sport

  • The exhibit highlights Johnson’s legacy beyond boxing, including his roles as an inventor, entrepreneur, and trailblazer for African-American culture

"You get to see the shorts, the wrench, and everything he was part of," said Larry Lyautey, president of the Rochester Boxing Hall of Fame.

The exhibit, curated by Hall of Fame trainer and boxing historian Aaron Snowell, has traveled the world to educate audiences on Johnson's enduring impact on the sport.

"I had collected a lot of things since I was a kid when Muhammad Ali was teaching us about Jack Johnson," said Snowell. "Ali loved Johnson for breaking the color line and standing up for what he believed in."

One notable artifact on display was Johnson’s patented wrench, famously nicknamed the "monkey wrench," a term rooted in racial prejudice.

"It takes time to collect them. The artifacts, the pictures — it’s all original," Snowell added.

Johnson’s career and courage during the Jim Crow era inspired generations of African-American boxers and athletes worldwide.

"He was our first heavyweight champion as a Black man, and for me, that was extremely big," said Olympic boxer Larry Ali Donalds.

"I would love to have met the man if I was around," added Fitz "The Whip" Vanderpool, a welterweight champion.

But Johnson’s legacy extends far beyond the ring. He was also a hotel owner, gym operator and race car driver, embodying ambition and determination in every aspect of his life.

"What I try to do with an exhibit like this is pass the knowledge on to another generation so they don’t forget these iconic figures who mean so much to culture," Snowell said.

The exhibit not only honors Johnson’s legacy, but serves as a reminder of his pioneering spirit and the barriers he broke for future generations.