Tommy Burns Quote

I will defend my title as heavyweight champion of the world against all comers, none barred. By this I mean black, Mexican, Indian or any other nationality without regard to color, size or nativity. I propose to be the champion of the world, not the white or the Canadian or the American or any other limited degree of champion.

Statement of (3 February 1906) after his win against Marvin Hart, as quoted in a profile of Jack Johnson, at Unforgivable Blackness at PBS (2005).