Jack "Big Smoke' Johnson, the first black heavyweight boxer in 1910 (Photo:Courtesy of PBS)

He was known as “The Big Smoke,” “The Ethiopian,” and “The Dinge.” Jack Johnson, the world’s first black heavyweight boxing champion of the world, did not back down to anyone despite all he faced during his rise and fall.

He was a threat and danger to every boxer and his arrogance showed strongly through his style.

“Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson” is Ken Burns' latest installment of historical documentaries.

Burns, director and producer, created a phenomenal story of an athletic legend.

The documentary features original music by Wynton Marsalis and celebrity voice-overs such as Samuel L. Jackson as Jack Johnson.

Johnson was widely known for his liaisons with white women and, for his knockouts.

Johnson loved sharp suits, fast cars and white women, especially prostitutes.

The Mann Act of 1910 was an attempt to ban transportation of prostitutes. Soon after meeting Lucille Cameron, Johnson was charged with abduction and was arrested under the Mann Act.

He was a predecessor to the current phenomenon of black athletes and white women.

Johnson continued to defeat every opponent while his first and secret wife, Eda Johnson was suffering from depression.

“I am a white woman, tired of being an outcast,” she said.

“Even the Negroes don’t respect me. They hate me.”

On Sept. 11, 1912 she committed suicide.

He married Lucille Cameron in December 1912.

In June 1913, Johnson was sentenced to one year and one day in.

“Johnson embodies the African-American struggle to be truly free in this country — economically, socially and politically,” said Burns.