Trump pardon of Johnson was definitely deserved
Yesterday, not just boxing fans but the whole country saw U.S. President Donald Trump sign the well deserved posthumous pardon for former heavyweight champion Jack Johnson. Johnson was the first ever African American heavyweight champion.
The criminal conviction from 1913 that most would find abhorrent today — for transporting a white woman across state lines — haunted Johnson well after his death in 1946 and motivated politicians and celebrities for years to advocate for a pardon, however symbolic.
Johnson posthumously found an unexpected champion in Trump. Although his own record on civil rights has come under question, often harshly, Mr. Trump, flanked by WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, former champion Lennox Lewis, actor Sylvester Stallone and others signed the pardon. Stallone had personally asked Trump to do so.
Wilder came under some social media criticism for being in the Oval Office with Trump and shaking his hand. He took to social media today to respond to his critics.
To whom this message my concern‼️
The Champ has Address the situation, signed and sealed it… #Standby for Deliverance.#TheRealistChampionInTheBusiness pic.twitter.com/pJ7XoQy3vw— Deontay Wilder (@BronzeBomber) May 25, 2018
Wilder’s response may be considered personal by some but it’s fair in my opinion on his part to respond to the criticism. While he has at times seemed brash and flamboyant with his approach, he felt he done the right thing here and that’s enough for me.
By: Chris Henderson
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