Born to former slaves in St. Croix in 1860, Peter Jackson made his name in the boxing ring with his smooth, fast style and a dangerous "one-two" combination. After emigrating to Australia, Jackson became that country's national heavyweight champion in 1886 before moving on to the United States and claiming the title of Colored Champion of the World in 1888. For the next ten years, Jackson remained undefeated by all opponents in America and Europe until finally losing to Jim Jeffries in 1898. Although he never received a shot at the heavyweight title--reigning heavyweight champion John Sullivan refused to defend his title against a black man--Jackson remains one of the greatest fighters in the history of the heavyweight division. This first biography of Jackson since 1919 chronicles the boxer's life in and out of the ring, providing a vivid portrait of a true legend in the sport.]