Born in London, England to parents of what would be middle class, his father was known as a builder of some esteem. John would start attending amateur sparring sessions when he was 19 years old. He did well enough that no other pupil was his equal which attracted a number of prominent men wishing to become his backer. It was here he met Col. Henry Aston, who would become his patron and encouraged young Jackson to enter the ring professionally, much to displeasure of his parents.
His first fight was against the undefeated, and well known, giant of a man William Futrell. Futrell held a string of 18 victories, when he faced the younger Jackson. The fight lasted 1hr 7min and ended when Futrell went down to escape a blow.
It would be a year until Jackson's next bout, against George Ingleston "the Brewer". This bout took place during a downpour leading Jackson to give up the match due to a broken leg from slipping on the wet turf. This battle only lasted 20 min, and many considered this to not be a true loss as his injury was caused by an act of God and not from his opponent. Indeed many believed Jackson had the upper hand and would have won if not for the weather.
After his second fight, Jackson semi-retired and disappeared from public life for 6 years. It was only when Daniel Mendoza gained the crown that he decided to return to the ring. Having a personal grudge against Mendoza, the only known quarrel he was to have, Jackson set out to take the title from the smaller man. Meeting on 15 Apr 1795, at Hornchurch, in Essex, the two gladiators faced off. The larger Jackson used his knowledge of distance and his greater strength against the lighter and faster Mendoza. Despite having the odds against him at the beginning of the match, Jackson quickly turned the tables, acquiring the win in only 9 rounds lasting 10min 30sec.
The following year, Jackson opened his own boxing academy at 13 Old Bond St in London. It was here that he did more to bring boxing into a respectable light, by instructing the upper classes, than any other pugilist of the day. His most famous and notable student, Lord Byron, became a close friend. It was said that Jackson was a very intelligent and patient teacher, able to convey the scientific principles of pugilism, to the lay person.
Within a couple of years of opening his academy, Jackson announced his retirement from the ring. He would spend his retirement teaching, giving exhibitions of his bouts, hobnobbing with the elite and acting as a philanthropist. In 1821, Jackson was awarded by being made a Page to the King and tasked with creating an unarmed force to help preserve order at the coronation of King George the IV.
The Emperor passed away peacefully at the home he lived in since his retirement, at 4 Lower Grosvenor St. West. He crossed over holding the hand of his most loved niece, whom he treated as a daughter. Many praising eulogies were published in his honour and a memorial was constructed at his grave, paid for by a collection of friends and fans. Despite only having 3 professional matches, his fight with Mendoza being one of the most famous matches in the entirety of the Bare Knuckle era, he will always be remembered as one the most scientific pugilists in the ring and a true gentleman outside.

Article from Dan Kanagie