Johnson vs. Burns plaque unveiling

On 11 June, 2019, a plaque commemorating the World Heavyweight Boxing title fight between Tommy Burns and Jack Johnson was unveiled near the site of the Sydney Stadium (demolished), the venue for the fight.

The plaque is located on the footpath on Neild Avenue, near the corner of New South Head Road, Rushcutters Bay.

On 26 December 1908, a boxing match was held in Sydney that changed the sport forever and captivated the world. It was the fight for the boxing World Heavyweight Title, between Canadian Tommy Burns, Heavyweight Champion of the World, and challenger for the title, African-American Jack Johnson.

The Sydney Stadium, an open-air structure of timber and iron in Rushcutters Bay, was host to what was then the largest sporting event in Australia’s history. The fight was stopped in the 14th round and Jack Johnson was declared the winner, becoming the first African-American to win the World Heavyweight title.