Joe Gans
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Joe Gans (November 25, 1874 - August 10, 1910) was born Joseph Gaines in Baltimore, Maryland. Gans was rated as the greatest lightweight boxer of all time by boxing historian and Ring Magazine editor, Nat Fleischer and was known as the "Old Master". He fought from 1891 to 1909. His final record included 131 wins (88 KOs) 9 losses and 13 draws.
Gans started boxing professionally in 1891 in Baltimore. In 1900, Gans was stopped oin twelve rounds by champion Frank Erne in a bout for the world lightweight title. In their rematch two years later, Gans knocked Erne out in one round to capture the lightweight title.
Gans reigned as champion from 1902 to 1908. In an important title defense he defeated the "Durable Dane", Oscar "Battling" Nelson on a foul in 42 rounds on September 3, 1906. When they fought again two years later Gans, weakened by tuberculosis, lost by a knockout. He died in August 1910. Gans is generally considered to be one of the greatest boxers of all time, pound-for-pound.
[edit] References
- Answers.com (2007). http://www.answers.com/topic/joe-gans.
- Enshrinees (1999). http://www.ibhof.com/gans.htm.
- 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.
