Acting
George Godfrey
George Godfrey, known in the boxing world as "The Leiperville Shadow," was born Feab S. Williams on January 25, 1897, in Alabama. His professional boxing career spanned from 1919 to 1937, during which he made a significant mark in the heavyweight division. Taking inspiration from the legendary George "Old Chocolate" Godfrey, a prominent Black Canadian boxer known for his prowess in the bare-knuckle era, Williams adopted the name to honor his predecessor, who was the fourth World Colored Heavyweight Champion.
During a time when racial discrimination heavily influenced the sport, the colored heavyweight title emerged as a response to the color bar that prevented Black fighters from competing for the mainstream heavyweight championship. This barrier was upheld even after Jack Johnson became the first Black heavyweight champion in 1908, as many promoters believed that fights between Black boxers would not attract audiences.
Despite never having the opportunity to contest for the world heavyweight title, George Godfrey achieved notable success, including winning the International Boxing Union's version of the heavyweight championship in 1935. This accomplishment came just two years prior to Joe Louis's rise, who would become the second Black fighter to earn global recognition as heavyweight champion. Remarkably, Godfrey is also known for being the only boxer to defeat the towering Gogea Mitu, who stood at an astonishing 7 feet 9 inches. George Godfrey passed away on August 13, 1947, leaving behind a legacy that highlights the struggles and triumphs of Black athletes in boxing.
