It is perhaps not commonly known that a Negro heavyweight championship title existed from 1902 to 1932 when many white champions {including John L. Sullivan, Jim Jeffries, Jack Dempsey} refused to fight blacks. {In 1925 Dempsey pointedly refused to meet Harry Willis - "The Black Menace" - in a fight urged upon him by many observers.} One wonders: who were the true world's champions in those years? And of what value are historical records when they record so blatantly the prejudices of a dominant race?
by Joyce Carol Oates
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The history of boxing reveals a significant chapter concerning the Negro heavyweight championship, which was active from 1902 to 1932. During this time, many prominent white champions, including legends like John L. Sullivan, Jim Jeffries, and Jack Dempsey, refused to fight black opponents, thereby marginalizing their achievements. This exclusion raises questions about the legitimacy of champions from that period and challenges the authenticity of historical records that reflect the racial biases of the era.

Specifically, in 1925, Jack Dempsey declined to fight Harry Willis, known as "The Black Menace," despite pressure from fans and observers. This refusal illustrates the entrenched racism in the sport, leading to the complex issue of recognizing who genuinely held the title of world champion during those years. Joyce Carol Oates, in her book "On Boxing," provokes thought on the value and impact of such historical narratives that clearly align with the prejudices of their time.

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