Joe Gans
Joe Gans (born Joseph Gant; November 25, 1874 – August 10, 1910) was an American professional boxer. Gans was rated the greatest Lightweight boxer of all-time by boxing historian and Ring Magazine founder, Nat Fleischer. Known as the "Old Master", he became the first African-American World Boxing Champion of the 20th century, reigning continuously as World Lightweight Champion from 1902–1908, having defended the title against 13 boxers.[1] He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
Joe Gans | |
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Statistics | |
Real name | Joseph Gant |
Nickname(s) | Old Master |
Weight(s) | Lightweight |
Height | 5 ft 6 1⁄2 in (1.69 m) |
Reach | 71 in (180 cm) |
Nationality | American |
Born | November 25, 1874 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
Died | August 10, 1910 35) Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | (aged
Stance | Orthodox |
Boxing record | |
Total fights | 196 |
Wins | 158 |
Wins by KO | 100 |
Losses | 12 |
Draws | 20 |
No contests | 6 |
Career
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Gans started boxing professionally in early 1891. Starting out in the city of Baltimore, he gained many fans within the boxing world, both white and black alike, with his "scientific" approach to fighting.[2]
Unlike the more brutish and adrenaline fueled styles of fighting more prevalent in the time, Gans’ fighting method involved learning an opponent's strengths and weaknesses in order to compete with a gameplan. He fought through much adversity and unfair stipulations for certain fights. On three separate occasions in 1895, after going the distance, he had to fight an extra round. In a fight versus Johnny Van Heest, "Gans had Van Heese whipped to a standstill in the eighth round, but Mr. Daniel Carr, the referee, ordered an extra round. Though Van Heese had none the best of the last round, he was given the decision.[3] Against Bobby Dobbs, "Gans had to stop Dobbs in 10 rounds or get the loser's end of the purse (25 per cent), and also had to pay Dobbs $50 for every round after 10th that the latter was able to stay. Dobbs asked his seconds to throw up the sponge in the middle of the 14th round, claiming a sore hand. Dobbs was down repeatedly, either from knock-downs or going down on his own. In the fight with Buddy King in 1903, they fought in the drizzling rain[4]
A slender man, never weighing over 137 pounds, Gans frequently fought heavier boxers; this adding to the legend of his scientific fighting technique.[5] He became known as a true student of the sport, earning him the nickname “Old Master”.
Title Bouts
On March 3, 1900 at the Broadway Athletic Club in New York, Gans quit with an eye injury in the twelfth round and lost via TKO while challenging reigning lightweight champion Frank Erne in Gans' first title fight.
However, in their rematch two years later at International A.C., Fort Erie, Canada, Gans knocked Erne out in one round to convincingly take the world lightweight title. ""In the exchange Gans got both hands to head and Erne seemed a trifle dazed. Gans felt him out with a left shove to the face, drawing blood to nose. Erne seemed dazed and Gans rushed and exchanged, putting right plump on Erne's jaw. Erne fell slowly to the floor with his mouth and nose bleeding, rolled over on his stomach and was counted out before he could attempt to regain his feet." (wire report)"[6] Gans had thus become the first ever African-American boxing champion; he had also become the first black title holder since the Canadian born, George Dixon won the bantamweight world title in 1892 [7] and the island-born Barbados Joe Walcott won the World Welterweight title on December 18, 1901.[8] Gans reigned as champion from 1902 to 1908.
On January 6, 1902, Gans defeated the former World Welterweight Champion Canadian born Eddie Connolly. Connolly lost in a five round bout at the Washington Sports Club in Philadelphia.
One reporter noted that Connolly, "did nothing but hug and wrestle, adding variety to his performance in the third by deliberately trying to butt the Balitmorean (Gans)". The reporter also noted that Connolly clinched frequently and "wrestled" rather than boxed, probably in attempt to protect himself from the fierce assaults of Gans. By the time the referee ended the bout in the fifth, Connolly had been "rendered practically helpless" by the powerful punching of Gans.[9]
Gans also defended his Lightweight World Title against other talented boxers such as Steve Crosby and Gus Gardiner. There was also Charley Sieger, Kid McPartland, Rufe Turner, Charles "Elbows" McFadden, and Frank Erne.
In an important title defense he defeated the "Durable Dane" Oscar "Battling" Nelson in 42 rounds on September 3, 1906 in Goldfield, Nevada. This blockbuster fight, arranged by legendary promoter Tex Rickard, would eventually be honored with a historic memorial.
on September 15, 1905, Gans fought to a 15 round pre-arranged draw with future Welterweight World Championship claimant Mike "Twin" Sullivan. Most people reporting on the fights believed that Sullivan deserved the decision. In an immediate rematch, he defeated Sullivan by knockout on January 19 and March 17, 1906 in San Francisco and Los Angeles and again in March of the same year.
Although recorded as a Welterweight Title match and the bout supposedly had a weight limit set at around 142 pounds (which was estimated to be Sullivan's weigh in), Gans' weigh in was estimated to have been seven or eight pounds lighter. Gans' defeat of the heavier Sullivan, a strong puncher by reputation, showed his mastery in the ring. In this well attended bout, Gans share of the gate was a considerable $2,425.20 and Sullivan's was $1,616.80. Gans reportedly had bet another $1,700 on himself, which if accurate, made his earnings on the fight quite considerable. [10]
Gans and Battling Nelson fought for the World Lightweight title twice in Colma, California: first on July 4 and September 9 of 1908. Gans will lost the first fight by KO in the 17th round of 45, ending his multi year reign, and subsequently lost the immediate rematch via KO in the 21st round of 45.[10]
Draw with Barbados Joe Walcott
On September 30, 1904, Gans fought to a 20 round draw against Barbados Joe Walcott. "The San Francisco Chronicle reported that Walcott damaged ligaments in his left arm and that it was "useless from the 4th round on". It was announced before the fight that no title was at stake. Referee Jack Welch gave 7 rounds to Gans, 5 to Walcott, with 8 even, but thought that Walcott's aggressiveness compensated Gans' advantage in cleverness. Shortly after this fight Walcott accidentally shot himself in the hand and was out of action until January 1906."[11]
Death
Joe Gans died on August 10, 1910 of tuberculosis; he was only 35 and had died not long after his final fight. He is buried in Mount Auburn Cemetery (Baltimore, Maryland) in Baltimore. His monument is maintained by the International Boxing Commission and sits just to the left of the main entrance of the cemetery.
It reads: "I was born in the city of Baltimore in the year 1874, and it might be well to state at this time that my right name is Joseph Gant, not Gans. However, when I became an object of newspaper publicity, some reporter made a mistake and my name appeared as Joe Gans, and as Joe Gans it remained ever since."
Professional honors and legacy
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Gans had a final professional record of 145 wins with 100 knockouts, 10 losses, 16 draws, 6 no contests and 19 no decisions (Newspaper Decisions: 13-2-4). He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.[12]
A bronze statue of Joe Gans stands in the suite floor at Madison Square Garden but was previously outside of the locker rooms. Modern day boxers would traditionally bump the statue's outstretched left fist for good-luck before matches.[13]
Gans’ legendary fight on September 3, 1906 with Battling Nelson was commemorated with a memorial located in Goldfield, Nevada at the site of the fight.[14]
Gans was the first African-American to win a World Boxing Championship and the first to win a Lightweight Boxing title. Gans' achievements not only set new records, but gave African Americans hope in the early twentieth century. In a time of racial segregation, champion Joe Gans somehow emerged victorious.[15]
Gans was rated the greatest Lightweight boxer of all-time by boxing historian and Ring Magazine founder, Nat Fleischer.
One boxing historian writes about Gans saying: "through his ring accomplishments, Gans put into action what others could only theorize. The articulation of the black quest for social equality reached large audiences through the pulpits, and the most authoritative sermons were published in newspapers and religious quarterlies".[16]
Professional boxing record
197 fights | 145 wins | 10 losses |
By knockout | 100 | 5 |
By decision | 38 | 5 |
By disqualification | 7 | 0 |
Draws | 16 | |
No contests | 6 | |
Newspaper decisions/draws | 20 |
All Newspaper decisions are regarded as “no decision” bouts as they have “resulted in neither boxer winning or losing, and would therefore not count as part of their official fight record."
No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
197 | Win | 145–10–16 (26) | ![]() | NWS | 10 | Mar 12, 1909 | ![]() | |
196 | Loss | 145–10–16 (25) | ![]() | KO | 21 (45) | Sep 09, 1908 | ![]() | For world lightweight title |
195 | Loss | 145–9–16 (25) | ![]() | KO | 17 (45) | Jul 04, 1908 | ![]() | Lost world lightweight title |
194 | Win | 145–8–16 (25) | ![]() | TKO | 11 (20) | May 14, 1908 | ![]() | Retained world lightweight title |
193 | Win | 144–8–16 (25) | ![]() | TKO | 3 (6) | Apr 01, 1908 | ![]() | |
192 | Win | 143–8–16 (25) | ![]() | KO | 3 (5) | Jan 01, 1908 | ![]() | |
191 | Win | 142–8–16 (25) | ![]() | PTS | 20 | Sep 27, 1907 | ![]() | Retained world lightweight title |
190 | Win | 141–8–16 (25) | ![]() | TKO | 6 (20) | Sep 09, 1907 | ![]() | Retained world lightweight title |
189 | Win | 140–8–16 (25) | ![]() | TKO | 8 (?) | Jan 01, 1907 | ![]() | Retained world lightweight title |
188 | Win | 139–8–16 (25) | ![]() | DQ | 42 (?) | Sep 03, 1906 | ![]() | Retained world lightweight title |
187 | Win | 138–8–16 (25) | ![]() | PTS | 20 | Jul 23, 1906 | ![]() | Retained world lightweight title |
186 | Draw | 137–8–16 (25) | ![]() | NWS | 6 | Jun 29, 1906 | ![]() | |
185 | Draw | 137–8–16 (24) | ![]() | NWS | 6 | Jun 15, 1906 | ![]() | |
184 | Loss | 137–8–16 (23) | ![]() | NWS | 6 | May 18, 1906 | ![]() | |
183 | Win | 137–8–16 (22) | ![]() | TKO | 10 (20) | Mar 17, 1906 | ![]() | Retained world welterweight title claim at 142 lbs Police ordered ref to stop it in 10th. |
182 | Win | 136–8–16 (22) | ![]() | KO | 15 (20) | Jan 19, 1906 | ![]() | Makes world welterweight title claim at 142lbs |
181 | Draw | 135–8–16 (22) | ![]() | PTS | 15 | Sep 15, 1905 | ![]() | Retained world lightweight title |
180 | Win | 135–8–15 (22) | ![]() | NWS | 6 | Mar 27, 1905 | ![]() | |
179 | Win | 135–8–15 (21) | ![]() | DQ | 5 (20) | Oct 01, 1904 | ![]() | Retained world lightweight title |
178 | Draw | 134–8–15 (21) | ![]() | PTS | 20 | Sep 30, 1904 | ![]() | |
177 | Draw | 134–8–14 (21) | ![]() | NWS | 6 | Jun 27, 1904 | ![]() | |
176 | Win | 134–8–14 (20) | ![]() | TKO | 4 (6) | Jun 13, 1904 | ![]() | |
175 | Win | 133–8–14 (20) | ![]() | TKO | 7 (15) | Jun 03, 1904 | ![]() | |
174 | Win | 132–8–14 (20) | ![]() | RTD | 7 (10) | May 27, 1904 | ![]() | |
173 | Win | 131–8–14 (20) | ![]() | PTS | 15 | Apr 21, 1904 | ![]() | |
172 | Win | 130–8–14 (20) | ![]() | PTS | 10 | Mar 28, 1904 | ![]() | |
171 | Win | 129–8–14 (20) | ![]() | PTS | 15 | Mar 25, 1904 | ![]() | |
170 | Win | 128–8–14 (20) | ![]() | TKO | 10 (10) | Feb 02, 1904 | ![]() | |
169 | Win | 127–8–14 (20) | ![]() | PTS | 10 | Jan 22, 1904 | ![]() | |
168 | Win | 126–8–14 (20) | ![]() | TKO | 2 (6) | Jan 19, 1904 | ![]() | |
167 | Win | 125–8–14 20) | ![]() | PTS | 10 | Jan 12, 1904 | ![]() | Retained world lightweight title |
166 | Loss | 124–8–14 (20) | ![]() | PTS | 15 | Dec 08, 1903 | ![]() | |
165 | Win | 124–7–14 (20) | ![]() | NWS | 6 | Dec 07, 1903 | ![]() | |
164 | Loss | 124–7–14 (19) | ![]() | NWS | 6 | Nov 02, 1903 | ![]() | |
163 | Draw | 124–7–14 (18) | ![]() | NWS | 6 | Oct 23, 1903 | ![]() | |
162 | Win | 124–7–14 (17) | ![]() | NWS | 6 | Oct 20, 1903 | ![]() | |
161 | Win | 124–7–14 (16) | ![]() | NWS | 6 | Oct 19, 1903 | ![]() | |
160 | Win | 124–7–14 (15) | ![]() | KO | 5 (20) | Jul 04, 1903 | ![]() | |
159 | Win | 123–7–14 (15) | ![]() | KO | 10 (20) | May 29, 1903 | ![]() | |
158 | Win | 122–7–14 (15) | ![]() | TKO | 9 (20) | May 13, 1903 | ![]() | |
157 | Win | 121–7–14 (15) | ![]() | KO | 5 (10) | Mar 23, 1903 | ![]() | |
156 | Win | 120–7–14 (15) | ![]() | TKO | 11 (20) | Mar 11, 1903 | ![]() | Retained world lightweight title |
155 | Win | 119–7–14 (15) | ![]() | DQ | 11 (20) | Jan 01, 1903 | ![]() | Retained world lightweight title |
154 | Draw | 118–7–14 (15) | ![]() | PTS | 10 | Dec 31, 1902 | ![]() | Pre-arranged draw if lasting the distance. |
153 | Win | 118–7–13 (15) | ![]() | TKO | 3 (20) | Dec 19, 1902 | ![]() | |
152 | Win | 117–7–13 (15) | ![]() | TKO | 14 (20) | Nov 14, 1902 | ![]() | Retained world lightweight title |
151 | Win | 116–7–13 (15) | ![]() | NWS | 10 | Oct 14, 1902 | ![]() | |
150 | Win | 116–7–13 (14) | ![]() | KO | 5 (20) | Oct 13, 1902 | ![]() | Retained world lightweight title |
149 | Win | 115–7–13 (14) | ![]() | KO | 2 (6) | Sep 22, 1902 | ![]() | |
148 | Win | 114–7–13 (14) | ![]() | KO | 5 (20) | Sep 17, 1902 | ![]() | |
147 | Win | 113–7–13 (14) | ![]() | TKO | 15 (15) | Jul 24, 1902 | ![]() | Retained world lightweight title |
146 | Win | 112–7–13 (14) | ![]() | TKO | 3 (20) | Jun 27, 1902 | ![]() | Retained world lightweight title |
145 | Win | 111–7–13 (14) | ![]() | DQ | 3 (4) | May 29, 1902 | ![]() | |
144 | Win | 110–7–13 (14) | ![]() | TKO | 2 (4) | May 28, 1902 | ![]() | |
143 | Win | 109–7–13 (14) | ![]() | KO | 2 (4) | May 28, 1902 | ![]() | |
142 | Win | 108–7–13 (14) | ![]() | RTD | 2 (4) | May 27, 1902 | ![]() | |
141 | Win | 107–7–13 (14) | ![]() | KO | 1 (20) | May 12, 1902 | ![]() | Won world lightweight title |
140 | Win | 106–7–13 (14) | ![]() | KO | 5 (20) | Mar 27, 1902 | ![]() | |
139 | Win | 105–7–13 (14) | ![]() | TKO | 4 (15) | Mar 07, 1902 | ![]() | |
138 | Win | 104–7–13 (14) | ![]() | NWS | 6 | Feb 17, 1902 | ![]() | |
137 | Win | 104–7–13 (13) | ![]() | DQ | 5 (6) | Jan 06, 1902 | ![]() | |
136 | Win | 103–7–13 (13) | ![]() | KO | 6 (20) | Jan 01, 1902 | ![]() | |
135 | Win | 102–7–13 (13) | ![]() | TKO | 4 (6) | Dec 30, 1901 | ![]() | |
134 | Win | 101–7–13 (13) | ![]() | TKO | 14 (20) | Dec 13, 1901 | ![]() | |
133 | Win | 100–7–13 (13) | ![]() | KO | 3 (20) | Nov 22, 1901 | ![]() | |
132 | Win | 99–7–13 (13) | ![]() | KO | 2 (20) | Nov 15, 1901 | ![]() | |
131 | Win | 98–7–13 (13) | ![]() | KO | 3 (8) | Oct 04, 1901 | ![]() | |
130 | Win | 97–7–13 (13) | ![]() | TKO | 1 (20) | Sep 30, 1901 | ![]() | |
129 | Win | 96–7–13 (13) | ![]() | TKO | 12 (20) | Sep 20, 1901 | ![]() | |
128 | Draw | 95–7–13 (13) | ![]() | PTS | 20 | Aug 23, 1901 | ![]() | For world colored lightweight title |
127 | Win | 95–7–12 (13) | ![]() | NWS | 6 | Jul 15, 1901 | ![]() | |
126 | Win | 95–7–12 (12) | ![]() | NWS | 6 | Jul 15, 1901 | ![]() | |
125 | Win | 95–7–12 (11) | ![]() | TKO | 2 (6) | Jul 15, 1901 | ![]() | |
124 | Win | 94–7–12 (11) | ![]() | KO | 7 (20) | May 01, 1901 | ![]() | |
123 | Win | 93–7–12 (11) | ![]() | TKO | 4 (20) | Apr 01, 1901 | ![]() | |
122 | Win | 92–7–12 (11) | ![]() | DQ | 5 (20) | Feb 13, 1901 | ![]() | |
121 | Loss | 91–7–12 (11) | ![]() | KO | 2 (6) | Dec 13, 1900 | ![]() | |
120 | Win | 91–6–12 (11) | ![]() | KO | 4 (10) | Nov 16, 1900 | ![]() | |
119 | Win | 90–6–12 (11) | ![]() | TKO | 8 (10) | Oct 19, 1900 | ![]() | |
118 | Win | 89–6–12 (11) | ![]() | KO | 9 (10) | Oct 16, 1900 | ![]() | |
117 | Win | 88–6–12 (11) | ![]() | KO | 1 (5) | Oct 11, 1900 | ![]() | |
116 | Win | 87–6–12 (11) | ![]() | TKO | 4 (5) | Oct 11, 1900 | ![]() | |
115 | Win | 86–6–12 (11) | ![]() | PTS | 10 | Oct 05, 1900 | ![]() | |
114 | Draw | 85–6–12 (11) | ![]() | PTS | 10 | Oct 02, 1900 | ![]() | |
113 | Win | 85–6–11 (11) | ![]() | NWS | 6 | Sep 07, 1900 | ![]() | |
112 | Win | 85–6–11 (10) | ![]() | KO | 3 (25) | Aug 31, 1900 | ![]() | |
111 | Win | 84–6–11 (10) | ![]() | KO | 4 (20) | Jul 12, 1900 | ![]() | |
110 | Win | 83–6–11 (10) | ![]() | TKO | 8 (25) | Jul 10, 1900 | ![]() | |
109 | Win | 82–6–11 (10) | ![]() | KO | 9 (15) | Jun 26, 1900 | ![]() | |
108 | Win | 81–6–11 (10) | ![]() | KO | 2 (25) | May 25, 1900 | ![]() | |
107 | Win | 80–6–11 (10) | ![]() | TKO | 5 (6) | Apr 01, 1900 | ![]() | |
106 | Loss | 79–6–11 (10) | ![]() | TKO | 12 (25) | Mar 23, 1900 | ![]() | For world lightweight title Gans asked to have the bout stopped after being cut by an accidental head-butt. |
105 | Win | 79–5–11 (10) | ![]() | TKO | 14 (25) | Feb 09, 1900 | ![]() | |
104 | Draw | 78–5–11 (10) | ![]() | PTS | 6 | Dec 22, 1899 | ![]() | |
103 | Win | 78–5–10 (10) | ![]() | PTS | 15 | Dec 11, 1899 | ![]() | |
102 | Win | 77–5–10 (10) | ![]() | PTS | 6 | Nov 11, 1899 | ![]() | |
101 | Win | 76–5–10 (10) | ![]() | PTS | 25 | Oct 31, 1899 | ![]() | |
100 | Win | 75–5–10 (10) | ![]() | PTS | 25 | Oct 11, 1899 | ![]() | |
99 | Draw | 74–5–10 (10) | ![]() | NWS | 6 | Oct 07, 1899 | ![]() | |
98 | Win | 74–5–10 (9) | ![]() | PTS | 25 | Oct 03, 1899 | ![]() | |
97 | Win | 73–5–10 (9) | ![]() | PTS | 12 (20) | Sep 15, 1899 | ![]() | Police stopped the fight at the end of the 12th round on account of foul work in the clinches. |
96 | Win | 72–5–10 (9) | ![]() | KO | 10 (25) | Sep 01, 1899 | ![]() | |
95 | Draw | 71–5–10 (9) | ![]() | PTS | 25 | Jul 28, 1899 | ![]() | |
94 | Win | 71–5–9 (9) | ![]() | TKO | 4 (25) | Jul 24, 1899 | ![]() | |
93 | Loss | 70–5–9 (9) | ![]() | KO | 23 (25) | Apr 14, 1899 | ![]() | |
92 | Win | 70–4–9 (9) | ![]() | DQ | 10 (20) | Feb 06, 1899 | ![]() | |
91 | Win | 69–4–9 (9) | ![]() | PTS | 20 | Jan 28, 1899 | ![]() | |
90 | Win | 68–4–9 (9) | ![]() | KO | 2 (25) | Jan 13, 1899 | ![]() | |
89 | Win | 67–4–9 (9) | ![]() | PTS | 25 | Dec 27, 1898 | ![]() | |
88 | Win | 66–4–9 (9) | ![]() | PTS | 25 | Nov 04, 1898 | ![]() | |
87 | Win | 65–4–9 (9) | ![]() | PTS | 4 | Sep 30, 1898 | ![]() | |
86 | Win | 64–4–9 (9) | ![]() | PTS | 4 | Sep 29, 1898 | ![]() | |
85 | Win | 63–4–9 (9) | ![]() | TKO | 4 (4) | Sep 28, 1898 | ![]() | |
84 | Win | 62–4–9 (9) | ![]() | TKO | 3 (4) | Sep 27, 1898 | ![]() | In the evening the same day Gans took on two more men. |
83 | Win | 61–4–9 (9) | ![]() | TKO | 1 (4) | Sep 27, 1898 | ![]() | |
82 | Win | 60–4–9 (9) | ![]() | TKO | 1 (4) | Sep 27, 1898 | ![]() | |
81 | Win | 59–4–9 (9) | ![]() | PTS | 4 | Sep 26, 1898 | ![]() | |
80 | Win | 58–4–9 (9) | ![]() | KO | 3 (25) | Sep 01, 1898 | ![]() | |
79 | Win | 57–4–9 (9) | ![]() | TKO | 15 (25) | Aug 26, 1898 | ![]() | |
78 | Win | 56–4–9 (9) | ![]() | KO | 11 (25) | Aug 08, 1898 | ![]() | |
77 | Win | 55–4–9 (9) | ![]() | TKO | 6 (10) | Jul 01, 1898 | ![]() | |
76 | Win | 54–4–9 (9) | ![]() | PTS | 6 | Jun 03, 1898 | ![]() | |
75 | NC | 53–4–9 (9) | ![]() | NC | 3 (6) | Jun 02, 1898 | ![]() | Roberson down in the 2nd. During the 3rd round the lights went out in the building, and the show had to be called off until next day. |
74 | Win | 53–4–9 (8) | ![]() | RTD | 6 (20) | May 11, 1898 | ![]() | |
73 | Win | 52–4–9 (8) | ![]() | TKO | 3 (3) | Apr 11, 1898 | ![]() | |
72 | Win | 51–4–9 (8) | ![]() | TKO | 3 (3) | Apr 11, 1898 | ![]() | Police stopped the fight. |
71 | Win | 50–4–9 (8) | ![]() | TKO | 6 (8) | Mar 11, 1898 | ![]() | |
70 | Win | 49–4–9 (8) | ![]() | TKO | 15 (20) | Jan 17, 1898 | ![]() | Gans down in the 2nd round, and immediately knocks Garrard down in return. |
69 | Win | 48–4–9 (9) | ![]() | TKO | 2 (8) | Jan 03, 1898 | ![]() | |
68 | Win | 47–4–9 (8) | ![]() | TKO | 5 (8) | Nov 29, 1897 | ![]() | |
67 | Draw | 46–4–9 (8) | ![]() | NWS | 6 | Nov 06, 1897 | ![]() | |
66 | Loss | 46–4–9 (7) | ![]() | PTS | 20 | Sep 27, 1897 | ![]() | For world colored lightweight title |
65 | Draw | 46–3–9 (7) | ![]() | PTS | 15 | Sep 21, 1897 | ![]() | |
64 | Win | 46–3–8 (7) | ![]() | KO | 5 (15) | Aug 30, 1897 | ![]() | |
63 | Win | 45–3–8 (7) | ![]() | TKO | 6 (?) | Aug 24, 1897 | ![]() | |
62 | Win | 44–3–8 (7) | ![]() | TKO | 5 (?) | Aug 24, 1897 | ![]() | |
61 | Win | 43–3–8 (7) | ![]() | TKO | 8 (?) | Aug 24, 1897 | ![]() | |
60 | Win | 42–3–8 (7) | ![]() | TKO | 3 (?) | Aug 24, 1897 | ![]() | |
59 | Win | 41–3–8 (7) | ![]() | TKO | 3 (?) | Aug 24, 1897 | ![]() | |
58 | Win | 40–3–8 (7) | ![]() | PTS | 20 | May 18, 1897 | ![]() | |
57 | Win | 39–3–8 (7) | ![]() | KO | 9 (20) | Apr 03, 1897 | ![]() | |
56 | Win | 38–3–8 (7) | ![]() | RTD | 4 (10) | Dec 14, 1896 | ![]() | |
55 | Win | 37–3–8 (7) | ![]() | PTS | 20 | Nov 12, 1896 | ![]() | |
54 | Win | 36–3–8 (7) | ![]() | TKO | 3 (8) | Oct 19, 1896 | ![]() | Police stopped the fight. |
53 | Loss | 35–3–8 (7) | ![]() | PTS | 15 | Oct 06, 1896 | ![]() | |
52 | Win | 35–2–8 (7) | ![]() | PTS | 4 | Sep 28, 1896 | ![]() | |
51 | Draw | 34–2–8 (7) | ![]() | PTS | 20 | Aug 31, 1896 | ![]() | |
50 | Win | 34–2–7 (7) | ![]() | TKO | 2 (?) | Aug 20, 1896 | ![]() | |
49 | Win | 33–2–7 (7) | ![]() | PTS | 12 | Jun 29, 1896 | ![]() | |
48 | Win | 32–2–7 (7) | ![]() | PTS | 10 | Jun 08, 1896 | ![]() | |
47 | Win | 31–2–7 (7) | ![]() | TKO | 6 (12) | Feb 22, 1896 | ![]() | |
46 | Win | 30–2–7 (7) | ![]() | KO | 7 (8) | Jan 17, 1896 | ![]() | |
45 | Win | 29–2–7 (7) | ![]() | PTS | 4 | Jan 11, 1896 | ![]() | |
44 | Win | 28–2–7 (7) | ![]() | KO | 7 (25) | Nov 28, 1895 | ![]() | |
43 | Draw | 27–2–7 (7) | ![]() | PTS | 10 | Nov 18, 1895 | ![]() | Pre-arranged draw if lasting full distance. |
42 | Win | 27–2–6 (7) | ![]() | KO | 9 (25) | Oct 21, 1895 | ![]() | |
41 | Draw | 26–2–6 (7) | ![]() | PTS | 20 | Jul 15, 1895 | ![]() | |
40 | Win | 26–2–5 (7) | ![]() | PTS | 10 | May 28, 1895 | ![]() | |
39 | Win | 25–2–5 (7) | ![]() | KO | 17 (20) | May 20, 1895 | ![]() | |
38 | Win | 24–2–5 (7) | ![]() | KO | 4 (10) | May 14, 1895 | ![]() | |
37 | Draw | 23–2–5 (7) | ![]() | PTS | 6 | May 09, 1895 | ![]() | |
36 | Win | 23–2–4 (7) | ![]() | TKO | 3 (8) | May 04, 1895 | ![]() | |
35 | Win | 22–2–4 (7) | ![]() | TKO | 8 (8) | Apr 25, 1895 | ![]() | |
34 | Win | 21–2–4 (7) | ![]() | TKO | 3 (6) | Apr 18, 1895 | ![]() | |
33 | Loss | 20–2–4 (7) | ![]() | PTS | 9 (8) | Apr 13, 1895 | ![]() | |
32 | Win | 20–1–4 (7) | ![]() | NWS | 6 | Apr 01, 1895 | ![]() | |
31 | Win | 20–1–4 (6) | ![]() | PTS | 6 | Mar 22, 1895 | ![]() | |
30 | Win | 19–1–4 (6) | ![]() | TKO | 4 (?) | Mar 20, 1895 | ![]() | |
29 | Draw | 18–1–4 (6) | ![]() | PTS | 10 | Mar 18, 1895 | ![]() | |
28 | Draw | 18–1–3 (6) | ![]() | PTS | 10 | Mar 07, 1895 | ![]() | |
27 | Win | 18–1–2 (6) | ![]() | TKO | 10 (10) | Mar 06, 1895 | ![]() | Police interfered. |
26 | Win | 17–1–2 (6) | ![]() | TKO | 3 (?) | Mar 04, 1895 | ![]() | |
25 | Draw | 16–1–2 (6) | ![]() | PTS | 11 (10) | Feb 16, 1895 | ![]() | An extra-round was fought. |
24 | Win | 16–1–1 (6) | ![]() | PTS | 11 (10) | Feb 11, 1895 | ![]() | An additional round was fought to decide the winner. |
23 | Win | 15–1–1 (6) | ![]() | KO | 3 (?) | Feb 07, 1895 | ![]() | |
22 | Win | 14–1–1 (6) | ![]() | PTS | 10 | Feb 06, 1895 | ![]() | |
21 | Draw | 13–1–1 (6) | ![]() | PTS | 10 | Jan 23, 1895 | ![]() | |
20 | Win | 13–1 (6) | ![]() | TKO | 5 (?) | Jan 19, 1895 | ![]() | |
19 | Win | 12–1 (6) | ![]() | PTS | 10 | Jan 11, 1895 | ![]() | |
18 | Win | 11–1 (6) | ![]() | PTS | 10 | Jan 07, 1895 | ![]() | Brown was Allen's second, and offered to fight Gans immediately after the latter was done with Allen. |
17 | Win | 10–1 (6) | ![]() | KO | 3 (?) | Jan 07, 1895 | ![]() | |
16 | Win | 9–1 (6) | ![]() | PTS | ? | Jan 01, 1895 | ![]() | |
15 | Win | 8–1 (6) | ![]() | TKO | 8 (?) | Dec 28, 1894 | ![]() | |
14 | Win | 7–1 (6) | ![]() | PTS | 10 | Dec 27, 1894 | ![]() | |
13 | Win | 6–1 (6) | ![]() | NWS | 10 | Dec 21, 1894 | ![]() | |
12 | Win | 6–1 (5) | ![]() | PTS | 6 | Dec 17, 1894 | ![]() | |
11 | NC | 5–1 (5) | ![]() | ND | 4 | Nov 27, 1894 | ![]() | |
10 | NC | 5–1 (4) | ![]() | ND | 3 (?) | Nov 12, 1894 | ![]() | |
9 | Win | 5–1 (3) | ![]() | TKO | 3 (4) | Jul 10, 1894 | ![]() | |
8 | Loss | 4–1 (3) | ![]() | PTS | 5 | Jun 27, 1894 | ![]() | |
7 | Win | 4–0 (3) | ![]() | PTS | 4 | Jun 26, 1894 | ![]() | |
6 | NC | 3–0 (3) | ![]() | ND | ? (?) | May 21, 1894 | ![]() | |
5 | Win | 3–0 (2) | ![]() | PTS | ? (?) | Apr 25, 1894 | ![]() | |
4 | NC | 2–0 (2) | ![]() | ND | 3 (?) | Apr 19, 1894 | ![]() | |
3 | Win | 2–0 (1) | ![]() | KO | 4 (?) | Feb 12, 1894 | ![]() | |
2 | Win | 1–0 (1) | ![]() | RTD | 6 (?) | Nov 27, 1893 | ![]() | |
1 | NC | 0–0 (1) | ![]() | ND | ? (?) | Oct 23, 1893 | ![]() | |
Reign as champion
Awards and achievements | ||
---|---|---|
Preceded by Frank Erne |
World Lightweight Champion 12 May 1902 – 4 July 1908 |
Succeeded by Battling Nelson |
Sporting positions | ||
Preceded by George Dixon |
Latest Born World Champion to Die August 10 – October 15, 1910 |
Succeeded by Stanley Ketchel |
Motion picture
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The Gans-Nelson battle in Colma, California was the subject of a four-reel motion picture that played in major cities around the country.
Hemingway connection
Ernest Hemingway utilized Joe Gans as a character in his 1916 short story 'A Matter of Colour'.[17] This early story set the stage for Hemingway's famous 1927 parable 'The Killers'.[18]
See also
References
- "Joe Gans, p. 132" (pdf). The Boxing Register: International Boxing Hall Of Fame Official Record Book. International Boxing Hall Of Fame. Retrieved 26 May 2019.
- Gildea, William (2012). Longest fight : in the ring with Joe Gans, boxing's first African American champion. Farrar, Straus and Giroux Publishing.
- https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/9026?offset=0
- https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/9026?offset=0
- Aycock, Colleen (2008). Joe Gans: A Biography of the First African American World Boxing Champion. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland and Company. ISBN 978-0-7864-3994-2.
- https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/9026?offset=0
- "George Dixon". Ibhof.com. Retrieved February 24, 2020.
- "Joe Walcott - BoxRec". Boxrec.com. Retrieved February 24, 2020.
- "Eddie Connolly Easy", The Scranton Republican, Scranton, Pennsylvania, pg. 1, 7 January 1902
- "Joe Gans". BoxRec. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
- https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/9026?offset=0
- Roberts, James B.; Skutt, Alexander G. (1990). "The Boxing Register". International Boxing Hall of Fame. Canastota, NV: McBooks Press. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
- "Joe Gans Statue". About Travel. Retrieved June 28, 2015.
- "Gans Memorial". BoxRec. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
- The Longest Fight (2012). Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, New York, NY. 2012-06-19. ISBN 9780374280970. Retrieved June 28, 2015.
- Aycock, Colleen (2008). Joe Gans: A Biography of the First African American World Boxing Champion. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland and Company. pp. 6. ISBN 978-0-7864-3994-2.
- Lundin, Leigh (January 6, 2013). "Hemingway Punchline". A Matter of Colour. Durban: SleuthSayers.
- Lundin, Leigh (December 23, 2012). "Literary Mystery". The Killers. Durban, SA: SleuthSayers. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
Further reading
- Miles, J.H., Davis, J.J., Ferguson-Roberts, S.E., and Giles, R.G. (2001). Almanac of African American Heritage. Paramus, NJ: Prentice Hall Press.
- Potter, J. (2002). African American Firsts. New York, NY: Kensington Publishing Corp.
- Aycock, Colleen and Mark Scott (2008), Joe Gans: A Biography of the First African American World Boxing Champion. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Co.
- The Longest Fight: In the Ring with Joe Gans, Boxing’s First African-American Champion. By William Gildea. Farrar, Straus & Giroux; 256 pages
External links
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