Those riots weren't sparked by police brutality, but by a boxing match.

In 1908, Jack Johnson became the first Black heavyweight boxing champion of the world, fighting at a time when, despite slavery having been abolished 45 years previously, African Americans were still subjected to widespread segregation and racism.

His victory over James J. Jeffries -- in what was billed then as the "Fight of the Century" -- on Independence Day in 1910, sent shockwaves through both the Black and White communities across the world.

The bout was fought in Reno, Nevada, at the height of the Jim Crow laws era, when racial segregation in the US South was rigorously enforced.

A former undefeated heavyweight champion, Jeffries came out of retirement to "to make an effort to reclaim the heavyweight championship for the White race." He added: "I should step into the ring again and demonstrate that a White man is king of them all."

Johnson's subsequent victory sparked race riots across the US, pitching a Black community -- jubilant that their champion had won -- against their White counterparts, seething with anger at the outcome of the fight. More than 20 people were killed and hundreds were injured. Most of the victims were Black.

In part due to his refusal to fight Black contenders after beating Jeffries, an extravagant lifestyle and his feud with Joe Louis, Johnson managed to somewhat alienate himself from the Black community and subsequently arguably become something of a forgotten figure.

It wasn't until the rise of Muhammad Ali -- who recognized many similarities between himself and Johnson -- and the arrival of the Black Power era that his career and achievements became more widely appreciated, not just for his sporting prowess but for his trailblazing success in an era when racism was widespread and commonplace.

According to Theresa Runstedtler -- author of 'Jack Johnson, Rebel Sojourner: Boxing in the Shadow of the Global Color Line' -- the boxer's defeat of Jeffries "ripped the veil off of the niceties that were used to cover up the violence of White supremacy."

"[Johnson's rise to champion] signified Black possibilities at a moment when all of the regular channels of Black success, whether it be trying to get a quality education or trying to make it in business or even just trying to be involved in politics -- because there was so much widespread disenfranchisement -- this was an example of a success that couldn't be disputed," Runstedtler told CNN Sport.

"That he had defied social barriers to become the best at something when all of these other barriers were being put up in front of African Americans seeking to improve their social status, symbolically, he was super important."

READ: 'I was 25 years ahead of my time': The driver who shattered motorsport's color barrier

Reaching the pinnacle

Perhaps what's even more remarkable about Johnson's success is that he was raised by two former slaves.

"To know that somebody in an era of just the

Wakanda News Details

Tuna pâté - Whipped together in only a few minutes

You may also like

Arts Facts

Democratic Party Facts

Women Facts

Spirituality Facts