by Daven: In this article I will outline the struggles of African-American fighters since the nineteenth century. Since most African-Americans originated from the south, they had to live under the tyranny of Jim Crow, the laws which basically preserved the elite position of whites in post slavery society. Sadly the laws extended into boxing and ensured blacks were not given the same opportunities. Ultimately I seek to argue that Floyd Mayweather owes these guys big time and by agreeing to face Pacquiao, helps to put the plight of the disenfranchised at the back of our minds. If he refuses the fight he’s letting all the abused down because they would’ve killed for the exposure and recognition he continues to get.

Peter Jackson was the first great black heavyweight, he was prominent in the 1880s, yet the man was continuously refused a heavyweight title shot owing to the existence of the “color line.” Jim Jeffries had no desire to take that fight and the white boxing public were overtly racist and afraid that a black man becoming champion would somehow lead to blacks taking over the country. Likewise Sam Langford who is regarded by some boxing historians as perhaps the greatest fighter ever was forever denied a world title shot, Doc Kearns told Sam repeatedly, “we’re looking for somebody easier Sam.” This was said when Langford was 42 and blind whilst Dempsey was in his prime; surely this conveys how great Sam truly was. Instead Langford was stuck in meaningless fights against black fighters, he never earned the plaudits he deserved until well after his death. Although Jack Johnson became heavyweight champion in 1908, he was eventually forced out of the country for shady reasons. Leading him to Europe for two years where he philandered and fought men not worthy of lacing his boots. Jack was possibly the most hated man of his era for his mockery of White power and White norms such as the illegality of interracial marriages. Of all the fighters listed, he reminds me most of Floyd mainly due to his extravagant lifestyle and disregard for authority.

Archie Moore is a personal favourite of mine, the man was an absolute machine. His career was full of entertaining fights yet he received little in the way of financial reward. He was often approached by match-fixers but he repeatedly said no. His principles undoubtedly cost him world title encounters, however he got his shot at the light-heavyweight championship aged 39 and won. Even though he had slowed down somewhat, his very skilful technique saw him through. Unfortunately he failed to win the heavyweight title despite giving Marciano a tough battle. Overall Moore was another example of a great fighter who was made to travel around from town to town, taking on all challengers for little reward. Later in his career he did earn a new audience owing to his charisma but his career would have been more successful had he been given the chance to succeed.

At the lower weight classes, Joe Gans helped to re-draw the color line by becoming the first African-American champion of all time. He reigned as lightweight champion between 1902-1908. However to get to the pinnacle he had to take many dives after alienating his family. More importantly, how far did he damage his own soul by being manipulated by unruly regulators? In many of his fights he had to work out ways of avoiding the ropes, such was the barbarity of the white audience who would lash him, at any chance given to them.

Following WWII it was less “cool” to be publicly racist. This allowed greats such as Henry Armstrong and Sugar Ray Robinson the chance to display their credentials. Both were approached by mob bosses in the hope they’d “take a fall” but both refused and thus still had to wait to be granted a “shot.” Ultimately the two passed with flying colours but they were still made to pay for their race. Armstrong was the first man to prevail as champion in three different weight categories yet every time he sought to move up to middleweight he was dissuaded from doing so as that belt was seen as a “white belt”. It was okay for blacks to win at the lower weights but not above that.

Floyd Mayweather has never been handed anything. Everything he has he’s earned himself, contrary to Bob Arum’s claim that he made “Floyd a star.” As a student of the game Money must know he’s in one lucrative position now. However that comes with great responsibility. To be the best, you have to beat the best. And to get revenge on behalf of Sam Langford, Joe Gans, Archie Moore, Henry Armstrong and particularly Jack Johnson, he simply has to accept the fight with Pacquiao. Astonishingly next year marks a century since Jack Johnson lost his world title to Jesse Willard. Now the Welterweight title is most prestigious belt, Floyd has the chance to gain redemption for Johnson and his fellow African-Americans by fighting and beating Filipino sensation Manny Pacquiao.