Fighting Bob Lawson

World's Colored Heavyweight Champion

The Alabama Bear

Circa 1926

Bob Lawson had a rather brief six year career marked by no real title opportunities. But, Bob Lawson, who billed himself as the World's Colored Heavyweight Champion, had the destinction of ending the competitive career of the first black World's Heavyweight Champion, Jack Johnson.

In early 1926, Jack Johnson, his once remarkable skills and marvelous physique dissipated by the years and the high living,( Johnson's head had taken on the enlarged shape that some said was a indication of the ravages of syphillis) was working on a comeback, the plan to fight Jack Dempsey. After a couple of poor showings in Cuba, Johnson took the plan to Mexico. In May, 1926, Johnson defeated Jack Lester, ironically a protegy of Tommy Burns, in Nogales, Mexico.

Three weeks later, in a bull ring, in Juarez, boxing's most skilled matador fell at the hands of the Alabama Bear, Bob Lawson. The twenty-three year old Lawson knocked Johnson down near the end of round seven, although he regained his feet he was unable to continue.

Bob Lawson fought the remainder of 1926 and 1927, winning mostly, but losing to George Godfrey, and Paul Berlanbach. His last fight came in December of 1928, a twelve round loss in Galveston, Texas, Jack Johnson's hometown.

Vintage Original Business Card

Realphoto

Size: 2 1/4 x 3 3/8 inches

Condition: Excellent. Very mild soiling.

Price: $ 300.00

2000-1749

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