American Boxing: From John L. Sullivan to Muhammad Ali and Hollywood Movies

Explore the rich history and cultural impact of American boxing through the Smithsonian's collections. Discover the story of John L. Sullivan, heavyweight boxing champion from 1882 to 1892, and his diamond-encrusted belt. In 1908, Jack Johnson became the first Black man to win the World Heavyweight Championship in Australia, setting the stage for the racially charged “Fight of the Century” in 1910 in Reno, Nevada—a bout he won. In what is often called boxing's "Golden Age", Joe Louis, the "Brown Bomber," rose to prominence, breaking racial barriers and becoming a national hero. A commemorative stamp marked the 55th anniversary of his legendary 1938 rematch against Germany’s Max Schmeling, which Louis won with a first-round knockout. Fought under the looming threat of Hitler’s expansion across Europe, the match came to symbolize the global struggle between democracy and fascism. Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay, is widely regarded as the greatest athlete of the 20th century—not only for his unmatched boxing talent but also for his profound social and cultural influence. Boxing has also left its mark on American cinema, serving as a powerful metaphor for resilience and redemption in films like Rocky, or for inner turmoil and decline as in Raging Bull, which chronicled the life of middleweight champion Jake LaMotta.