"Fight of the Century" - Jack Johnson vs. James Jeffries

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In 1910, the first African-American heavyweight champion of professional boxing, Jack Johnson, was at the peak of his career. Knocking out opponent after opponent, the legendary boxer seems to have no competition in the sport, but mass in the U.S. does not tolerate this success and media, analysts and show business people are praying for the "great white hope" (James Jeffries) to return to boxing and win Johnson. That's exactly what happens. Jeffries announces that he will get back in the ring, and to this he adds a disgusting quote that has remained in history to this day: "I'm going into this fight with the sole purpose of proving that the white man is better than the nigger."

These words came in 1909, when the contract for the fight was concluded. Jeffries has to lose a lot of weight, but he is willing to do anything to beat his opponent. The two agree on $110,000 (75% for the winner, 25% for the loser), as well as the rights to a film to be made around the fight. The bout is billed as "an iconic white vs. the most infamous black boxer."

In the run-up to the fight, the tension between the two races is seriously inflamed, and during the fight itself fans are forbidden to consume alcohol, bring weapons and even apples, because the fruit can be used against the boxers. The match took place on July 4, 1910 in front of 20,000 people in Nevada, and the ring in Reno was made especially for the event. Almost everyone around the arena is on the side of Jeffries, who was announced as the pre-fight favorite, and much of America is hoping "The Great White Hope" wins. But that's not what happens in the ring.

It was clear from the first gong that Johnson was by far the better boxer, at least at this stage in the two athletes' lives. With brutally heavy left-handed punches and astonishing speed for a heavyweight boxer, the reigning world champion methodically subdues his opponent, knocking him down as early as the 4th round. Until the 15th round, Jeffries did not land any significant blows in the match, while Johnson managed to knock his opponent down once more. And with everyone expecting a knockout in the 15th round, Jeffries' coaching corner throws a white towel into the ring to end the fight and keep the former champion from losing by knockout. Thus, the "great white hope" is on its knees, and Johnson defends his title and receives huge praise from even his biggest critics. Unfortunately, America as a nation is clearly not ready to accept the reality of the country, as evidenced by subsequent events.

On the 4th of July - Independence Day in the USA, after the fight, violent racist scandals started all over the country, and public disapproval of black people was at its peak. Clashes occur in as many as 25 states and 50 cities. At least 20 people have died as a result of the riots that broke out in different parts of the country after Johnson's victory.

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