"The Great White Hope" is a play written by Howard Sackler that premiered in 1967. It tells the story of Jack Johnson, the first African American heavyweight boxing champion, and his struggles against racism and societal expectations in the early 20th century. The play explores themes of race, identity, and the quest for acceptance. The title refers to the hope that a white boxer would emerge to defeat Johnson, who was seen as a threat to the racial status quo. The play highlights the intense racial tensions of the time and the impact of sports on social issues, making it a significant work in American theater.