Jack Johnson — better known as the “Galveston Giant” — was the first African-American world heavyweight boxing champion. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential boxers in history, and his 1910 fight against James Jeffries was dubbed “the fight of the century.” Although Johnson was a prolific boxer, the same can’t be said of his driving. Johnson was known for speeding and was issued tickets scores of times over the years. In 1938, Jack was passing through Georgia on his way to the Joe Louis/Max Schmeling fight when he was pulled over for speeding. He was informed by the officer that the fine for speeding was $50. Without missing a beat, Johnson handed the officer a $100 bill. When the officer protested that he couldn’t make change for that much, Johnson told him to keep the change because he was going to make his return trip at the same speed.
