WBC World heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder was in attendance at The Oval Office yesterday as President Donald Trump officially pardoned ex-World heavyweight champion Jack Johnson.
Johnson, who was boxing’s first African American World heavyweight champion, was arrested in 1912 for having a relationship with a white woman, Lucille Cameron, whom he would later marry. Johnson would serve 10-months in prison for the offence.
“To be able to be here at the Oval office in Washington, D.C., and to experience the ultimate pardon of Jack Johnson is amazing,” said Wilder to Premier Boxing Champions.
“Johnson was the first African American heavyweight world champion, so this was definitely a magical moment to remember and one that I never will forget.”
Of Trump – who himself has drawn ire from sections of the African American population in America throughout a turbulent time in office – Wilder told press that he had spoken with the President about boxing, and that he had encouraged Wilder to score a knockout in his next bout.
That bout is, of course, heavily-rumoured to be an undisputed title showdown with British superstar Anthony Joshua.
Trump, a businessman and ex-owner of several casinos in Atlantic City, is a well-known figure among fight fans, having hosted several World title fights and even appeared backstage before Gennady Golovkin’s bout with David Lemieux in October 2015. He is also known to be an associate of former World heavyweight champion Mike Tyson during the height of the American’s career.
“Donald is a huge fan of boxing, was asking me about my next fight and encouraging me to get the knockout,” said Wilder.
“But on this day in history, I am able to say, forevermore, that I was there for yet another historical achievement to take back to my family and my children and the people of Alabama. I’m able to say that I was there when they pardoned Jack Johnson.”