Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Great Lives

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Life Stories

Biographical series in which guests choose someone who has inspired their lives.

BBC Radio 4 Extra

BBC Radio 4 LW

Great Lives: Series 24

Miles Warde

Great Lives: Episode 7: Jack Johnson

Jack Johnson

Episode 7

Episode 7: Jack Johnson

BBC Radio 4 - Great Lives, Jack Johnson

Matthew Syed chooses the first African-American world heavyweight boxing champion.

Matthew Syed chooses the first African-American world heavyweight boxing champion, Jack Johnson. With Matthew Parris. From May 2011.

It was the fight of the century, July 4th 1910, when Tim Jeffries, the so-called Great White Hope, was stopped by Jack Johnson in the 15th round. Suddenly white supremacy didn't seem so self-assured. In America there were riots, while a follow up fight in Britain - between Johnson and the British champion, Bombardier Wells - never took place. A leader in the Times newspaper had urged the promoter to consider 'the special position of trusteeship for coloured subject peoples which the British empire holds ....'

Jack Johnson, also known as the Galveston Giant, has been proposed by Matthew Syed, a recent sports journalist of the year. His nomination is based not only on Johnson's life, but what he came to represent. The expert is Kasia Boddy, author of Boxing: A Cultural History. The presenter is Matthew Parris and the producer Miles Warde.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Great Lives

Episode 7: Jack Johnson

Contributors

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4