4. Jack Johnson Vs. James Jeffries: Reno, Nevada, July 4, 1910
Twenty people were killed and many injured in riots in the United States after this 'Fight Of The Century' contest. Unparalleled. Former World Heavyweight Champion Jeffries came out of retirement to face Johnson, who was the first champion of Afro-Caribbean heritage. Jeffries had not fought for six years, but was offered $120,000 to come back. Of course, given the practices of the day, racial foul play played a huge part in the rivalry. Security reached nervous levels the like of which never had seen before, so much so that guns and alcohol was banned from the stadium. It seemed every single white man at the time wanted Jeffries to stick it to Johnson. However, the 'Galveston Giant' Johnson stopped his opponent in the 15th round after knocking his opponent down twice. Jeffries' corner threw in the towel. Jack's performance is still recognised as one of the most fluid displays of technical boxing ever seen. The result kicked off a lot of riots that continued for a few days across the whole of the United States.
