Joe Gans (born Joseph Gant; November 25, 1874 – August 10, 1910) was an American professional boxer.[1][2][3] Gans was rated the greatest lightweight boxer of all time[4] by boxing historian and Ring Magazine founder Nat Fleischer. Known as the "Old Master," Gans became the first African-American world boxing champion of the 20th century, reigning continuously as world lightweight champion from 1902 to 1908, defending the title 15 times against 13 other boxers.[5] He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
Life and career
Early life
Gans was born as Joseph Gant on November 25, 1874 in Baltimore, MA. He started boxing professionally in 1891 in Baltimore.[6]
Two fights in one day
On January 7, 1895, after knocking out Samuel Allen in three rounds, Allen's second, Bud Brown, immediately challenged Gans. Not backing down from a fight, Gans accepted and outpointed Brown in a 10-round points decision.[citation needed]
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 lightweight champion Frank Erne in Gans' first title fight.
However, in their rematch two years later at the International A.C. in Fort Erie, Ontario, 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."[7] Gans had thus become the first-ever U.S.-born African-American boxing champion. (Canadian-born black George Dixon had won the world bantamweight title in 1892,[8] and Barbados Joe Walcott had won the world welterweight title in 1901,[9] but neither of them was U.S.-born.) Gans reigned as champion from 1902 to 1908.
On January 6, 1902, Gans defeated the former world welterweight champion, Canadian-born Eddie Connolly, 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 Baltimorean [Gans]." The reporter also noted that Connolly clinched frequently and "wrestled" rather than boxed, probably to protect himself from Gans' fierce assaults. By the time the referee ended the bout in the fifth round, Connolly had been "rendered practically helpless" by the powerful punching of Gans.[10]
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 prearranged draw[clarification needed] 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 the bout was recorded as a Welterweight Title match and thus supposedly had a weight limit of around 142 pounds (which was estimated to be Sullivan's weigh-in[7]), Gans' weigh-in was estimated to have been 134 pounds.[7] 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.[7]
Gans and Battling Nelson fought for the World Lightweight title twice in Colma, California: first on July 4 and again on September 9 of 1908. Gans lost the first fight by knockout in the 17th round of 45, ending his multi-year reign as champion; he lost the rematch via KO in the 21st round of 45.[11]
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."[7]
Death
Joe Gans died on August 10, 1910, of tuberculosis, at the age of 35. He is buried in Mount Auburn Cemetery in Baltimore. His monument is maintained by the International Boxing Commission and sits just to the left of the main entrance of the cemetery.
His monument 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
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 on the suite floor at Madison Square Garden, having previously been outside of the locker rooms. Boxers would traditionally bump the statue's outstretched left fist for good luck before matches.[13]
Gans' legendary fight with Battling Nelson on September 3, 1906, 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]
One boxing historian writes of Gans: "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][clarification needed]
Motion picture
The Gans-Nelson battle in Colma, California, was the subject of a four-reel motion picture that played in major cities around the country.[citation needed]
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 1927 parable "The Killers."[18]
Professional boxing record
All information in this section is derived from BoxRec[7] unless otherwise stated.
Riverside Athletic Club, New York City, New York, US
40
Win
26–2–5 (7)
George Willis
KO
4 (10)
May 14, 1895
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
39
Draw
25–2–5 (7)
Howard Wilson
PTS
6
May 9, 1895
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
38
Win
25–2–4 (7)
Frank Peabody
TKO
3 (8)
May 4, 1895
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
37
Win
24–2–4 (7)
Kentucky Rosebud
TKO
8 (8)
Apr 25, 1895
Front Street Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
36
Win
23–2–4 (7)
David Armstrong
TKO
3 (6)
Apr 18, 1895
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
35
Loss
22–2–4 (7)
Johnny Van Heest
PTS
9 (8)
Apr 13, 1895
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Gans had Van Heese whipped to a standstill in the eighth round, but Mr. Daniel Carr, the referee, ordered an extra round. Though Van Heest had none the best of the last round, he was given the decision.
34
Win
22–1–4 (7)
Kentucky Rosebud
NWS
6
Apr 1, 1895
Monumental Amphitheater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
33
Win
22–1–4 (6)
Paul Johnson
PTS
6
Mar 22, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
32
Win
21–1–4 (6)
Harry Hunt
TKO
4 (?)
Mar 20, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
31
Draw
20–1–4 (6)
Howard Wilson
PTS
10
Mar 18, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
30
Draw
20–1–3 (6)
Fred Sweigert
PTS
10
Mar 7, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
29
Win
20–1–2 (6)
Solomon English
TKO
10 (10)
Mar 6, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Police interfered.
28
Win
19–1–2 (6)
Max Wirsing
TKO
3 (?)
Mar 4, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
27
Draw
18–1–2 (6)
James Daly
PTS
11 (10)
Feb 16, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
An extra-round was fought.
26
Win
18–1–1 (6)
James Davis
KO
3 (10)
Feb 12, 1895
Kernan's Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Second fight in one day
25
Win
17–1–1 (6)
John Ball
PTS
6
Feb 12, 1895
Kernan's Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
24
Win
16–1–1 (6)
John Coates
PTS
11 (10)
Feb 11, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
An additional round was fought to decide the winner.
23
Win
15–1–1 (6)
Samuel Young
KO
3 (?)
Feb 7, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
22
Win
14–1–1 (6)
Fred Sweigert
PTS
10
Feb 6, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
21
Draw
13–1–1 (6)
Dave Horn
PTS
10
Jan 23, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
20
Win
13–1 (6)
George Brummell
TKO
5 (?)
Jan 19, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
19
Win
12–1 (6)
Paul Johnson
PTS
10
Jan 11, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
18
Win
11–1 (6)
Bud Brown
PTS
10
Jan 7, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Second fight in one day after Allen's corner man offered to fight Gans
17
Win
10–1 (6)
Samuel Allen
KO
3 (?)
Jan 7, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
16
Win
9–1 (6)
Fred Sweigert
PTS
?
Jan 1, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
15
Win
8–1 (6)
Jack McDonald
TKO
8 (?)
Dec 28, 1894
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
14
Win
7–1 (6)
John Coates
PTS
10
Dec 27, 1894
Monumental A.C., Baltimore, Maryland, US
13
Win
6–1 (6)
Fred Sweigert
NWS
10
Dec 21, 1894
Monumental A.C., Baltimore, Maryland, US
12
Win
6–1 (5)
Travis Brown
PTS
6
Dec 17, 1894
Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
11
ND
5–1 (5)
Bud Young
ND
4
Nov 27, 1894
Canton Academy, Baltimore, Maryland, US
10
ND
5–1 (4)
Paul Johnson
ND
3 (?)
Nov 12, 1894
Grand Army Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Gans was fouled and could not continue. Ruled a no decision
9
Win
5–1 (3)
Jackson
TKO
3 (4)
Jul 10, 1894
Kernan's Theatre, Washington, D.C., US
8
Loss
4–1 (3)
Paul Johnson
PTS
5
Jun 27, 1894
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
For vacant Maryland colored lightweight title
7
Win
4–0 (3)
Gustav Wilkie
PTS
4
Jun 26, 1894
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
6
ND
3–0 (3)
Robert Cook
ND
?
May 21, 1894
M F Conklin`s Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
5
Win
3–0 (2)
Harry Brian
PTS
?
Apr 25, 1894
Allerino Gannic Casino, Baltimore, Maryland, US
4
ND
2–0 (2)
Dave Horn
ND
3 (?)
Apr 19, 1894
Beach's Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
3
Win
2–0 (1)
William Jones
KO
4 (?)
Feb 12, 1894
Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
2
Win
1–0 (1)
William Jones
RTD
6 (?)
Nov 27, 1893
Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
1
ND
0–0 (1)
Buck Myers
ND
?
Oct 23, 1893
Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Unofficial record
199 fights
160 wins
12 losses
By knockout
101
5
By decision
52
7
By disqualification
7
0
Draws
21
No contests
6
Record with the inclusion of newspaper decisions in the win/loss/draw column.
Riverside Athletic Club, New York City, New York, US
40
Win
28–2–5 (5)
George Willis
KO
4 (10)
May 14, 1895
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
39
Draw
27–2–5 (5)
Howard Wilson
PTS
6
May 9, 1895
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
38
Win
27–2–4 (5)
Frank Peabody
TKO
3 (8)
May 4, 1895
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
37
Win
26–2–4 (5)
Kentucky Rosebud
TKO
8 (8)
Apr 25, 1895
Front Street Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
36
Win
25–2–4 (5)
David Armstrong
TKO
3 (6)
Apr 18, 1895
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
35
Loss
24–2–4 (5)
Johnny Van Heest
PTS
9 (8)
Apr 13, 1895
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Gans had Van Heese whipped to a standstill in the eighth round, but Mr. Daniel Carr, the referee, ordered an extra round. Though Van Heest had none the best of the last round, he was given the decision.
34
Win
24–1–4 (5)
Kentucky Rosebud
NWS
6
Apr 1, 1895
Monumental Amphitheater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
33
Win
23–1–4 (5)
Paul Johnson
PTS
6
Mar 22, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
32
Win
22–1–4 (5)
Harry Hunt
TKO
4 (?)
Mar 20, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
31
Draw
21–1–4 (5)
Howard Wilson
PTS
10
Mar 18, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
30
Draw
21–1–3 (5)
Fred Sweigert
PTS
10
Mar 7, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
29
Win
21–1–2 (5)
Solomon English
TKO
10 (10)
Mar 6, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Police interfered.
28
Win
20–1–2 (5)
Max Wirsing
TKO
3 (?)
Mar 4, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
27
Draw
19–1–2 (5)
James Daly
PTS
11 (10)
Feb 16, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
An extra-round was fought.
26
Win
19–1–1 (5)
James Davis
KO
3 (10)
Feb 12, 1895
Kernan's Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Second fight in one day
25
Win
18–1–1 (5)
John Ball
PTS
6
Feb 12, 1895
Kernan's Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
24
Win
17–1–1 (5)
John Coates
PTS
11 (10)
Feb 11, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
An additional round was fought to decide the winner.
23
Win
16–1–1 (5)
Samuel Young
KO
3 (?)
Feb 7, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
22
Win
15–1–1 (5)
Fred Sweigert
PTS
10
Feb 6, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
21
Draw
14–1–1 (5)
Dave Horn
PTS
10
Jan 23, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
20
Win
14–1 (5)
George Brummell
TKO
5 (?)
Jan 19, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
19
Win
13–1 (5)
Paul Johnson
PTS
10
Jan 11, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
18
Win
12–1 (5)
Bud Brown
PTS
10
Jan 7, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Second fight in one day after Allen's corner man offered to fight Gans
17
Win
11–1 (5)
Samuel Allen
KO
3 (?)
Jan 7, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
16
Win
10–1 (5)
Fred Sweigert
PTS
?
Jan 1, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
15
Win
9–1 (5)
Jack McDonald
TKO
8 (?)
Dec 28, 1894
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
14
Win
8–1 (5)
John Coates
PTS
10
Dec 27, 1894
Monumental A.C., Baltimore, Maryland, US
13
Win
7–1 (5)
Fred Sweigert
NWS
10
Dec 21, 1894
Monumental A.C., Baltimore, Maryland, US
12
Win
6–1 (5)
Travis Brown
PTS
6
Dec 17, 1894
Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
11
ND
5–1 (5)
Bud Young
ND
4
Nov 27, 1894
Canton Academy, Baltimore, Maryland, US
10
ND
5–1 (4)
Paul Johnson
ND
3 (?)
Nov 12, 1894
Grand Army Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Gans was fouled and could not continue. Ruled a no decision
^Roberts, James B.; Skutt, Alexander G. (1990). "The Boxing Register". International Boxing Hall of Fame. Canastota, NV: McBooks Press. Retrieved June 29, 2015.