JOHNSON, JACK-TOMMY BURNS HANSA CIGAR REAL PHOTO ADVERTISEMENT (CIRCA 1908-1909)

HISTORY: Jack Johnson, the first African American to win the World Heavyweight Title, followed champion Tommy Burns around the world in order to procure a fight with him. The tour stopped in Sydney, Australia, where, under the promotion of Hugh McIntosh the fight was arranged. The date was set for December 26, 1908 and was held in the morning so as to not interfere with the afternoon racing crowd. Burns was small, but tough and had vast experience before and after winning the title. It added up to little against the bigger, stronger, quicker, Jack Johnson. Johnson played with Burns for 13 rounds before the police stopped the contest in the 14th. Jack Johnson had the coveted title and the world saw a new face in boxing. Johnson received $5,000 and Burns $30,000, which was the largest amount ever earned by a boxer for a single fight up to that time. Former World Heavyweight Champion James J. Jeffries was asked to referee the fight, but he wanted $5,000 plus his expenses paid. Burns was a