Johnson's ring victories sparked a global political backlash, leading to the creation of formal color bars in boxing.

Johnson's wins shook empires. His success terrified white authorities worldwide. They feared his dominance would inspire anti-colonial rebellions. In response, the British government banned Black boxers from fighting for titles. This color bar stretched from London to Cape Town. It was a desperate attempt to protect the myth of white supremacy. Physical equality in the ring was simply too dangerous for empires to allow.