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Joe Gans
JoeGans.jpg
Statistics
Real name Joseph Gant
Nickname(s) Old Master
Rated at Lightweight
Height 5 ft 6+12 in (1.69 m)
Reach 71 in (180 cm)
Nationality American
Born November 25, 1874
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Died August 10, 1910(1910-08-10) (aged 35)
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights 197
Wins 157
Wins by KO 100
Losses 12
Draws 22
No contests 6

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, defending the title 15 times versus 13 boxers. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.

Career

Joe Gans suit
Portrait of Gans

Gans started boxing professionally in early 1891. Starting in Baltimore, he gained many fans within the boxing world, both white and black alike, with his "scientific" approach to fighting.

Unlike the more brutish and adrenaline-fueled fighting styles more prevalent in the time, Gans’ fighting method involved learning an opponent's strengths and weaknesses to compete with a game plan. He fought through much adversity and unfair stipulations for certain fights. On three separate occasions in 1895, he had to fight an extra round after going the distance. 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. Against Bobby Dobbs, "Gans had to stop Dobbs in 10 rounds or get the loser's end of the purse (25 percent) 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

A slender man, never weighing over 137 pounds, Gans frequently fought heavier boxers, thus adding to the legend of his scientific fighting technique. He became known as a true student of the sport, earning him the nickname “Old Master.”

Two fights in one day

On January 7, 1895, after knocking out Samuel Allen in three rounds, Allen's second, Bud Brown, immediately challenged to fight Gans. Not backing down from a fight, Gans accepted and outpointed Brown in a 10 round points decision.

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 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)" 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 and the island-born Barbados Joe Walcott won the World Welterweight title on December 18, 1901. 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 Baltimorean (Gans)." The reporter also noted that Connolly clinched frequently and "wrestled" rather than boxed, probably 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.

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.

Gans and Battling Nelson fought for the World Lightweight title twice in Colma, California: first on July 4 and September 9 of 1908. Gans 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.

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. ....."

Death

Joe Gans died on August 10, 1910 of tuberculosis, at the age of 35. 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

Joe Walcott vs. Joe Gans
Joe Walcott vs. Joe Gans

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.

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.

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.

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.

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".

Motion picture

Sketch by Marguerite Martyn of women watching motion picture of Gans-Nelson prizefight, 1908
A four-reel motion picture of the second Gans-Nelson fight in Colma, California, was shown in theaters across the country. Above, reporter-artist Marguerite Martyn sketched her impression of women watching the film in St. Louis, Missouri, in October 1908.

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'. This early story set the stage for Hemingway's famous 1927 parable 'The Killers'.

Professional boxing record

All information in this section is derived from BoxRec, unless otherwise stated.

Official record

Professional record summary
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 officially regarded as “no decision” bouts and are not counted in the win/loss/draw column.

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
197 Win 145–10–16 (26) Jabez White NWS 10 Mar 12, 1909 National S.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
196 Loss 145–10–16 (25) Battling Nelson KO 21 (45) Sep 9, 1908 Mission Street Arena, Colma, California, U.S. For world lightweight title
195 Loss 145–9–16 (25) Battling Nelson KO 17 (45) Jul 4, 1908 Mission Street Arena, Colma, California, U.S. Lost world lightweight title
194 Win 145–8–16 (25) Rudy Unholz TKO 11 (20) May 14, 1908 Coliseum, San Francisco, California, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
193 Win 144–8–16 (25) Frank Robson TKO 3 (6) Apr 1, 1908 National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
192 Win 143–8–16 (25) Bob Blackburn KO 3 (5) Jan 1, 1908 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
191 Win 142–8–16 (25) George Memsic PTS 20 Sep 27, 1907 Naud Junction Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
190 Win 141–8–16 (25) Jimmy Britt TKO 6 (20) Sep 9, 1907 Recreation Park, San Francisco, California, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
189 Win 140–8–16 (25) Kid Herman TKO 8 (?) Jan 1, 1907 Casino A.C. Arena, Tonopah, California, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
188 Win 139–8–16 (25) Battling Nelson DQ 42 (?) Sep 3, 1906 Casino Amphitheatre, Goldfield, Nevada, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
187 Win 138–8–16 (25) Dave Holly PTS 20 Jul 23, 1906 Pleasant Beach, Bainbridge Island, Washington, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
186 Draw 137–8–16 (25) Jack Blackburn NWS 6 Jun 29, 1906 National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
185 Draw 137–8–16 (24) Harry Lewis NWS 6 Jun 15, 1906 National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
184 Loss 137–8–16 (23) Willie Lewis NWS 6 May 18, 1906 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
183 Win 137–8–16 (22) Mike "Twin" Sullivan TKO 10 (20) Mar 17, 1906 Chutes Park, Los Angeles, California, U.S. Retained world welterweight title claim at 142 lbs;
Police ordered the ref to stop the fight in the 10th
182 Win 136–8–16 (22) Mike "Twin" Sullivan KO 15 (20) Jan 19, 1906 Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S. Makes world welterweight title claim at 142lbs
181 Draw 135–8–16 (22) Mike "Twin" Sullivan PTS 15 Sep 15, 1905 Lyric Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
180 Win 135–8–15 (22) Rufe Turner NWS 6 Mar 27, 1905 Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
179 Win 135–8–15 (21) Jimmy Britt DQ 5 (20) Oct 1, 1904 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
178 Draw 134–8–15 (21) Barbados Joe Walcott PTS 20 Sep 30, 1904 Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
177 Draw 134–8–14 (21) Dave Holly NWS 6 Jun 27, 1904 National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
176 Win 134–8–14 (20) Sammy Smith TKO 4 (6) Jun 13, 1904 National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
175 Win 133–8–14 (20) Kid Griffo TKO 7 (15) Jun 3, 1904 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
174 Win 132–8–14 (20) Jewey Cook RTD 7 (10) May 27, 1904 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
173 Win 131–8–14 (20) Sam Bolen PTS 15 Apr 21, 1904 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
172 Win 130–8–14 (20) Gus Gardner PTS 10 Mar 28, 1904 Arbelten Hall, Saginaw, Michigan, U.S.
171 Win 129–8–14 (20) Jack Blackburn PTS 15 Mar 25, 1904 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
170 Win 128–8–14 (20) Mike Ward TKO 10 (10) Feb 2, 1904 Light Guard Armory, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
169 Win 127–8–14 (20) Joe Grim PTS 10 Jan 22, 1904 Shlegel's Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
168 Win 126–8–14 (20) Clarence Connors TKO 2 (6) Jan 19, 1904 Mount Clemens, Michigan, U.S.
167 Win 125–8–14 20) Willie Fitzgerald PTS 10 Jan 12, 1904 Light Guard Armory, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
166 Loss 124–8–14 (20) Sam Langford PTS 15 Dec 8, 1903 Criterion A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
165 Win 124–7–14 (20) Dave Holly NWS 6 Dec 7, 1903 Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
164 Loss 124–7–14 (19) Jack Blackburn NWS 6 Nov 2, 1903 Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
163 Draw 124–7–14 (18) Dave Holly NWS 6 Oct 23, 1903 State A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
162 Win 124–7–14 (17) Eddie Kennedy NWS 6 Oct 20, 1903 Southern A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
161 Win 124–7–14 (16) Joe Grim NWS 6 Oct 19, 1903 Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
160 Win 124–7–14 (15) Buddy King KO 5 (20) Jul 4, 1903 Old Baseball Park, Butte, Montana, U.S.
159 Win 123–7–14 (15) Willie Fitzgerald KO 10 (20) May 29, 1903 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
158 Win 122–7–14 (15) Tom Tracey TKO 9 (20) May 13, 1903 Pastime A.C., Portland, Oregon, U.S.
157 Win 121–7–14 (15) Jack Bennett KO 5 (10) Mar 23, 1903 Masonic Hall, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, U.S.
156 Win 120–7–14 (15) Steve Crosby TKO 11 (20) Mar 11, 1903 Whittington Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
155 Win 119–7–14 (15) Gus Gardner DQ 11 (20) Jan 1, 1903 Casino, New Britain, Connecticut, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
154 Draw 118–7–14 (15) Charley Siegar PTS 10 Dec 31, 1902 Criterion A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. Pre-arranged draw if lasting the distance.
153 Win 118–7–13 (15) Howard Wilson TKO 3 (20) Dec 19, 1902 Scituate Athletic Club, Scituate, Rhode Island, U.S.
152 Win 117–7–13 (15) Charley Siegar TKO 14 (20) Nov 14, 1902 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
151 Win 116–7–13 (15) Dave Holly NWS 10 Oct 14, 1902 Maennerchor Hall, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, U.S.
150 Win 116–7–13 (14) Kid McPartland KO 5 (20) Oct 13, 1902 International A.C., Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada Retained world lightweight title
149 Win 115–7–13 (14) Jack Bennett KO 2 (6) Sep 22, 1902 Golden Gate A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
148 Win 114–7–13 (14) Gus Gardner KO 5 (20) Sep 17, 1902 Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
147 Win 113–7–13 (14) Rufe Turner TKO 15 (15) Jul 24, 1902 Acme A.C., Oakland, California, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
146 Win 112–7–13 (14) George "Elbows" McFadden TKO 3 (20) Jun 27, 1902 Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
145 Win 111–7–13 (14) St Mary's County Bully DQ 3 (4) May 29, 1902 Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
144 Win 110–7–13 (14) Charles Boyer TKO 2 (4) May 28, 1902 Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
143 Win 109–7–13 (14) Edward Snowden KO 2 (4) May 28, 1902 Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
142 Win 108–7–13 (14) Joe Burke RTD 2 (4) May 27, 1902 Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
141 Win 107–7–13 (14) Frank Erne KO 1 (20) May 12, 1902 International A.C., Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada Won world lightweight title
140 Win 106–7–13 (14) Jack Bennett KO 5 (20) Mar 27, 1902 Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
139 Win 105–7–13 (14) Jack Ryan TKO 4 (15) Mar 7, 1902 Keystone A.C., Allentown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
138 Win 104–7–13 (14) George "Elbows" McFadden NWS 6 Feb 17, 1902 Penn Art Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
137 Win 104–7–13 (13) Eddie Connolly DQ 5 (6) Jan 6, 1902 Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
136 Win 103–7–13 (13) Tom Broderick KO 6 (20) Jan 1, 1902 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
135 Win 102–7–13 (13) Joe Youngs TKO 4 (6) Dec 30, 1901 Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
134 Win 101–7–13 (13) Bobby Dobbs TKO 14 (20) Dec 13, 1901 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
133 Win 100–7–13 (13) Billy Moore KO 3 (20) Nov 22, 1901 Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
132 Win 99–7–13 (13) Jack Hanlon KO 2 (20) Nov 15, 1901 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
131 Win 98–7–13 (13) Dan McConnell KO 3 (8) Oct 4, 1901 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
130 Win 97–7–13 (13) Joe Handler TKO 1 (20) Sep 30, 1901 Trenton A.C., Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
129 Win 96–7–13 (13) Steve Crosby TKO 12 (20) Sep 20, 1901 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
128 Draw 95–7–13 (13) Steve Crosby PTS 20 Aug 23, 1901 Music Hall, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. Retained world colored lightweight title
127 Win 95–7–12 (13) Harry Berger NWS 6 Jul 15, 1901 Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
126 Win 95–7–12 (12) Kid Thomas NWS 6 Jul 15, 1901 Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
125 Win 95–7–12 (11) Jack Donahue TKO 2 (6) Jul 15, 1901 Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
124 Win 94–7–12 (11) Bobby Dobbs KO 7 (20) May 1, 1901 Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
123 Win 93–7–12 (11) Martin Flaherty TKO 4 (20) Apr 1, 1901 Ford's Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
122 Win 92–7–12 (11) Wilmington Jack Daly DQ 5 (20) Feb 13, 1901 Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
121 Loss 91–7–12 (11) Terry McGovern KO 2 (6) Dec 13, 1900 Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
120 Win 91–6–12 (11) Kid Parker KO 4 (10) Nov 16, 1900 Colorado A.C., Denver, Colorado, U.S.
119 Win 90–6–12 (11) Jimmy Kelly TKO 8 (10) Oct 19, 1900 Colorado A.C., Denver, Colorado, U.S.
118 Win 89–6–12 (11) Otto Sieloff KO 9 (10) Oct 16, 1900 Olympic A.C., Denver, Colorado, U.S.
117 Win 88–6–12 (11) Alec Johnson KO 1 (5) Oct 11, 1900 Leadville Athletic Club, Leadville, Colorado, U.S.
116 Win 87–6–12 (11) Bird Leg Collins TKO 4 (5) Oct 11, 1900 Leadville Athletic Club, Leadville, Colorado, U.S.
115 Win 86–6–12 (11) Joe Youngs PTS 10 Oct 5, 1900 Colorado A.A., Denver, Colorado, U.S.
114 Draw 85–6–12 (11) George "Elbows" McFadden PTS 10 Oct 2, 1900 Olympic A.C., Denver, Colorado, U.S.
113 Win 85–6–11 (11) George "Elbows" McFadden NWS 6 Sep 7, 1900 Penn Art Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
112 Win 85–6–11 (10) Dal Hawkins KO 3 (25) Aug 31, 1900 Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
111 Win 84–6–11 (10) Whitey Lester KO 4 (20) Jul 12, 1900 Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
110 Win 83–6–11 (10) Young Griffo TKO 8 (25) Jul 10, 1900 Seaside A.C., Coney Island, New York, U.S.
109 Win 82–6–11 (10) Barney Furey KO 9 (15) Jun 26, 1900 People's Theater, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
108 Win 81–6–11 (10) Dal Hawkins KO 2 (25) May 25, 1900 Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
107 Win 80–6–11 (10) Chicago Jack Daly TKO 5 (6) Apr 1, 1900 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
106 Loss 79–6–11 (10) Frank Erne TKO 12 (25) Mar 23, 1900 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. 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) Spike Sullivan TKO 14 (25) Feb 9, 1900 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
104 Draw 78–5–11 (10) Kid McPartland PTS 6 Dec 22, 1899 Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
103 Win 78–5–10 (10) Kid Ash PTS 15 Dec 11, 1899 Robinson Opera House, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
102 Win 77–5–10 (10) Steve Crosby PTS 6 Nov 11, 1899 Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
101 Win 76–5–10 (10) George "Elbows" McFadden PTS 25 Oct 31, 1899 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
100 Win 75–5–10 (10) Martin Judge PTS 25 Oct 11, 1899 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
99 Draw 74–5–10 (10) Wilmington Jack Daly NWS 6 Oct 7, 1899 Nonpareil A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
98 Win 74–5–10 (9) Jimmy Kelly PTS 25 Oct 3, 1899 Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
97 Win 73–5–10 (9) Martin Judge PTS 12 (20) Sep 15, 1899 Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. 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) Eugene Bezenah KO 10 (25) Sep 1, 1899 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
95 Draw 71–5–10 (9) George "Elbows" McFadden PTS 25 Jul 28, 1899 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
94 Win 71–5–9 (9) Jack Dobbs TKO 4 (25) Jul 24, 1899 Seabright Casino, Ocean City, Maryland, U.S.
93 Loss 70–5–9 (9) George "Elbows" McFadden KO 23 (25) Apr 14, 1899 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
92 Win 70–4–9 (9) Billy Ernst DQ 10 (20) Feb 6, 1899 Olympic A.C., Buffalo, New York, U.S.
91 Win 69–4–9 (9) Martin Judge PTS 20 Jan 28, 1899 Crescent A.C., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
90 Win 68–4–9 (9) Young Smyrna KO 2 (25) Jan 13, 1899 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
89 Win 67–4–9 (9) Wilmington Jack Daly PTS 25 Dec 27, 1898 Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
88 Win 66–4–9 (9) Kid McPartland PTS 25 Nov 4, 1898 Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
87 Win 65–4–9 (9) William Duke PTS 4 Sep 30, 1898 Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
86 Win 64–4–9 (9) Fred Sweigert PTS 4 Sep 29, 1898 Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
85 Win 63–4–9 (9) James Martin TKO 4 (4) Sep 28, 1898 Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
84 Win 62–4–9 (9) Buck Baynor TKO 3 (4) Sep 27, 1898 Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
83 Win 61–4–9 (9) William Hinton TKO 1 (4) Sep 27, 1898 Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
82 Win 60–4–9 (9) Joseph Smith TKO 1 (4) Sep 27, 1898 Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
81 Win 59–4–9 (9) Herman Miller PTS 4 Sep 26, 1898 Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
80 Win 58–4–9 (9) Thomas Jackson KO 3 (25) Sep 1, 1898 Talbot county fair, Easton, Maryland, U.S.
79 Win 57–4–9 (9) Young Smyrna TKO 15 (25) Aug 26, 1898 Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
78 Win 56–4–9 (9) Billy Ernst KO 11 (25) Aug 8, 1898 Greater New York A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
77 Win 55–4–9 (9) George Brown TKO 6 (10) Jul 1, 1898 Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
76 Win 54–4–9 (9) Joe Kid Robinson PTS 6 Jun 3, 1898 Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
75 NC 53–4–9 (9) Joe Kid Robinson NC 3 (6) Jun 2, 1898 Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. The lights went out in the building, and the show had to be called off until next day.
74 Win 53–4–9 (8) Steve Crosby RTD 6 (20) May 11, 1898 Music Hall, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
73 Win 52–4–9 (8) Young Starlight TKO 3 (3) Apr 11, 1898 Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
72 Win 51–4–9 (8) Young Smyrna TKO 3 (3) Apr 11, 1898 Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. Police stopped the fight.
71 Win 50–4–9 (8) Tommy Shortell TKO 6 (8) Mar 11, 1898 Academy Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
70 Win 49–4–9 (8) Frank Garrard TKO 15 (20) Jan 17, 1898 Central Armory, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
69 Win 48–4–9 (9) Billy Young TKO 2 (8) Jan 3, 1898 Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
68 Win 47–4–9 (8) Stanton Abbott TKO 5 (8) Nov 29, 1897 Academy of Music, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
67 Draw 46–4–9 (8) Wilmington Jack Daly NWS 6 Nov 6, 1897 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
66 Loss 46–4–9 (7) Bobby Dobbs PTS 20 Sep 27, 1897 Greenpoint S.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. For world colored lightweight title
65 Draw 46–3–9 (7) Young Griffo PTS 15 Sep 21, 1897 Olympic A.C., Athens, Pennsylvania, U.S.
64 Win 46–3–8 (7) Izzy Strauss KO 5 (15) Aug 30, 1897 Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
63 Win 45–3–8 (7) Jack McCue TKO 6 (?) Aug 24, 1897 Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
62 Win 44–3–8 (7) John Coates TKO 5 (?) Aug 24, 1897 Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
61 Win 43–3–8 (7) Jerry Marshall TKO 8 (?) Aug 24, 1897 Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
60 Win 42–3–8 (7) George Thomas TKO 3 (?) Aug 24, 1897 Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
59 Win 41–3–8 (7) August Stenzie TKO 3 (?) Aug 24, 1897 Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
58 Win 40–3–8 (7) Mike Leonard PTS 20 May 18, 1897 Olympic A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S.
57 Win 39–3–8 (7) Howard Wilson KO 9 (20) Apr 3, 1897 Polo A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
56 Win 38–3–8 (7) Charles Rochette RTD 4 (10) Dec 14, 1896 Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
55 Win 37–3–8 (7) Jerry Marshall PTS 20 Nov 12, 1896 Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
54 Win 36–3–8 (7) Jack Williams TKO 3 (8) Oct 19, 1896 Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. Police stopped the fight.
53 Loss 35–3–8 (7) Dal Hawkins PTS 15 Oct 6, 1896 Bohemian Sporting Club, New York City, New York, U.S.
52 Win 35–2–8 (7) John Ball PTS 4 Sep 28, 1896 East Side A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
51 Draw 34–2–8 (7) Danny McBride PTS 20 Aug 31, 1896 Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
50 Win 34–2–7 (7) Jack Williams TKO 2 (?) Aug 20, 1896 Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
49 Win 33–2–7 (7) Tommy Butler PTS 12 Jun 29, 1896 South Brooklyn A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
48 Win 32–2–7 (7) Jimmy Watson PTS 10 Jun 8, 1896 Bijou Theater, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
47 Win 31–2–7 (7) Jimmy Kennard TKO 6 (12) Feb 22, 1896 West Newton Street Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
46 Win 30–2–7 (7) Joe Elliott KO 7 (8) Jan 17, 1896 Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
45 Win 29–2–7 (7) Benny Peterson PTS 4 Jan 11, 1896 Ariel A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
44 Win 28–2–7 (7) George Siddons KO 7 (25) Nov 28, 1895 Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
43 Draw 27–2–7 (7) Young Griffo PTS 10 Nov 18, 1895 Front Street Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. Pre-arranged draw if lasting full distance.
42 Win 27–2–6 (7) Joe Elliott KO 9 (25) Oct 21, 1895 Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
41 Draw 26–2–6 (7) George Siddons PTS 20 Jul 15, 1895 Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
40 Win 26–2–5 (7) Howard Wilson PTS 10 May 28, 1895 Kernan's Theatre, Washington, D.C., U.S.
39 Win 25–2–5 (7) Benny Peterson KO 17 (20) May 20, 1895 Riverside Athletic Club, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
38 Win 24–2–5 (7) George Willis KO 4 (10) May 14, 1895 Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
37 Draw 23–2–5 (7) Howard Wilson PTS 6 May 9, 1895 Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
36 Win 23–2–4 (7) Frank Peabody TKO 3 (8) May 4, 1895 Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
35 Win 22–2–4 (7) Kentucky Rosebud TKO 8 (8) Apr 25, 1895 Front Street Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
34 Win 21–2–4 (7) David Armstrong TKO 3 (6) Apr 18, 1895 Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
33 Loss 20–2–4 (7) Johnny Van Heest PTS 9 (8) Apr 13, 1895 Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
32 Win 20–1–4 (7) Kentucky Rosebud NWS 6 Apr 1, 1895 Monumental Amphitheater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
31 Win 20–1–4 (6) Paul Johnson PTS 6 Mar 22, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
30 Win 19–1–4 (6) Harry Hunt TKO 4 (?) Mar 20, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
29 Draw 18–1–4 (6) Howard Wilson PTS 10 Mar 18, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
28 Draw 18–1–3 (6) Fred Sweigert PTS 10 Mar 7, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
27 Win 18–1–2 (6) Solomon English TKO 10 (10) Mar 6, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. Police interfered.
26 Win 17–1–2 (6) Max Wirsing TKO 3 (?) Mar 4, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
25 Draw 16–1–2 (6) James Daly PTS 11 (10) Feb 16, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. An extra-round was fought.
24 Win 16–1–1 (6) John Coates PTS 11 (10) Feb 11, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. 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, U.S.
22 Win 14–1–1 (6) Fred Sweigert PTS 10 Feb 6, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
21 Draw 13–1–1 (6) Dave Horn PTS 10 Jan 23, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
20 Win 13–1 (6) George Brummell TKO 5 (?) Jan 19, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
19 Win 12–1 (6) Paul Johnson PTS 10 Jan 11, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
18 Win 11–1 (6) Bud Brown PTS 10 Jan 7, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
17 Win 10–1 (6) Samuel Allen KO 3 (?) Jan 7, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
16 Win 9–1 (6) Fred Sweigert PTS ? Jan 1, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
15 Win 8–1 (6) Jack McDonald TKO 8 (?) Dec 28, 1894 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
14 Win 7–1 (6) John Coates PTS 10 Dec 27, 1894 Monumental A.C., Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
13 Win 6–1 (6) Fred Sweigert NWS 10 Dec 21, 1894 Monumental A.C., Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
12 Win 6–1 (5) Travis Brown PTS 6 Dec 17, 1894 Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
11 ND 5–1 (5) Bud Young ND 4 Nov 27, 1894 Canton Academy, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
10 ND 5–1 (4) Paul Johnson ND 3 (?) Nov 12, 1894 Grand Army Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
9 Win 5–1 (3) Jackson TKO 3 (4) Jul 10, 1894 Kernan's Theatre, Washington, D.C., U.S.
8 Loss 4–1 (3) Paul Johnson PTS 5 Jun 27, 1894 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
7 Win 4–0 (3) Gustav Wilkie PTS 4 Jun 26, 1894 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
6 ND 3–0 (3) Robert Cook ND ? May 21, 1894 M F Conklin`s Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
5 Win 3–0 (2) Harry Brian PTS ? Apr 25, 1894 Allerino Gannic Casino, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
4 ND 2–0 (2) Dave Horn ND 3 (?) Apr 19, 1894 Beach's Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
3 Win 2–0 (1) William Jones KO 4 (?) Feb 12, 1894 Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
2 Win 1–0 (1) William Jones RTD 6 (?) Nov 27, 1893 Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
1 ND 0–0 (1) Buck Myers ND ? Oct 23, 1893 Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.

Unofficial record

Professional record summary
197 fights 157 wins 12 losses
By knockout 100 5
By decision 50 7
By disqualification 7 0
Draws 22
No contests 6

Record with the inclusion of newspaper decisions in the win/loss/draw column.

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
197 Win 157–12–22 (6) Jabez White NWS 10 Mar 12, 1909 National S.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
196 Loss 156–12–22 (6) Battling Nelson KO 21 (45) Sep 9, 1908 Mission Street Arena, Colma, California, U.S. For world lightweight title
195 Loss 156–11–22 (6) Battling Nelson KO 17 (45) Jul 4, 1908 Mission Street Arena, Colma, California, U.S. Lost world lightweight title
194 Win 156–10–22 (6) Rudy Unholz TKO 11 (20) May 14, 1908 Coliseum, San Francisco, California, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
193 Win 155–10–22 (6) Frank Robson TKO 3 (6) Apr 1, 1908 National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
192 Win 154–10–22 (6) Bob Blackburn KO 3 (5) Jan 1, 1908 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
191 Win 153–10–22 (6) George Memsic PTS 20 Sep 27, 1907 Naud Junction Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
190 Win 152–10–22 (6) Jimmy Britt TKO 6 (20) Sep 9, 1907 Recreation Park, San Francisco, California, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
189 Win 151–10–22 (6) Kid Herman TKO 8 (?) Jan 1, 1907 Casino A.C. Arena, Tonopah, California, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
188 Win 150–10–22 (6) Battling Nelson DQ 42 (?) Sep 3, 1906 Casino Amphitheatre, Goldfield, Nevada, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
187 Win 149–10–22 (6) Dave Holly PTS 20 Jul 23, 1906 Pleasant Beach, Bainbridge Island, Washington, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
186 Draw 148–10–22 (6) Jack Blackburn NWS 6 Jun 29, 1906 National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
185 Draw 148–10–21 (6) Harry Lewis NWS 6 Jun 15, 1906 National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
184 Loss 148–10–20 (6) Willie Lewis NWS 6 May 18, 1906 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
183 Win 148–9–20 (6) Mike "Twin" Sullivan TKO 10 (20) Mar 17, 1906 Chutes Park, Los Angeles, California, U.S. Retained world welterweight title claim at 142 lbs;
Police ordered the ref to stop the fight in the 10th
182 Win 147–9–20 (6) Mike "Twin" Sullivan KO 15 (20) Jan 19, 1906 Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S. Makes world welterweight title claim at 142lbs
181 Draw 146–9–20 (6) Mike "Twin" Sullivan PTS 15 Sep 15, 1905 Lyric Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
180 Win 146–9–19 (6) Rufe Turner NWS 6 Mar 27, 1905 Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
179 Win 145–9–19 (6) Jimmy Britt DQ 5 (20) Oct 1, 1904 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
178 Draw 144–9–19 (6) Barbados Joe Walcott PTS 20 Sep 30, 1904 Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
177 Draw 144–9–18 (6) Dave Holly NWS 6 Jun 27, 1904 National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
176 Win 144–9–17 (6) Sammy Smith TKO 4 (6) Jun 13, 1904 National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
175 Win 143–9–17 (6) Kid Griffo TKO 7 (15) Jun 3, 1904 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
174 Win 142–9–17 (6) Jewey Cook RTD 7 (10) May 27, 1904 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
173 Win 141–9–17 (6) Sam Bolen PTS 15 Apr 21, 1904 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
172 Win 140–9–17 (6) Gus Gardner PTS 10 Mar 28, 1904 Arbelten Hall, Saginaw, Michigan, U.S.
171 Win 139–9–17 (6) Jack Blackburn PTS 15 Mar 25, 1904 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
170 Win 138–9–17 (6) Mike Ward TKO 10 (10) Feb 2, 1904 Light Guard Armory, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
169 Win 137–9–17 (6) Joe Grim PTS 10 Jan 22, 1904 Shlegel's Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
168 Win 136–9–17 (6) Clarence Connors TKO 2 (6) Jan 19, 1904 Mount Clemens, Michigan, U.S.
167 Win 135–9–17 (6) Willie Fitzgerald PTS 10 Jan 12, 1904 Light Guard Armory, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
166 Loss 134–9–17 (6) Sam Langford PTS 15 Dec 8, 1903 Criterion A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
165 Win 134–8–17 (6) Dave Holly NWS 6 Dec 7, 1903 Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
164 Loss 133–8–17 (6) Jack Blackburn NWS 6 Nov 2, 1903 Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
163 Draw 133–7–17 (6) Dave Holly NWS 6 Oct 23, 1903 State A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
162 Win 133–7–16 (6) Eddie Kennedy NWS 6 Oct 20, 1903 Southern A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
161 Win 132–7–16 (6) Joe Grim NWS 6 Oct 19, 1903 Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
160 Win 131–7–16 (6) Buddy King KO 5 (20) Jul 4, 1903 Old Baseball Park, Butte, Montana, U.S.
159 Win 130–7–16 (6) Willie Fitzgerald KO 10 (20) May 29, 1903 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
158 Win 129–7–16 (6) Tom Tracey TKO 9 (20) May 13, 1903 Pastime A.C., Portland, Oregon, U.S.
157 Win 128–7–16 (6) Jack Bennett KO 5 (10) Mar 23, 1903 Masonic Hall, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, U.S.
156 Win 127–7–16 (6) Steve Crosby TKO 11 (20) Mar 11, 1903 Whittington Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
155 Win 126–7–16 (6) Gus Gardner DQ 11 (20) Jan 1, 1903 Casino, New Britain, Connecticut, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
154 Draw 125–7–16 (6) Charley Siegar PTS 10 Dec 31, 1902 Criterion A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. Pre-arranged draw if lasting the distance.
153 Win 125–7–15 (6) Howard Wilson TKO 3 (20) Dec 19, 1902 Scituate Athletic Club, Scituate, Rhode Island, U.S.
152 Win 124–7–15 (6) Charley Siegar TKO 14 (20) Nov 14, 1902 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
151 Win 123–7–15 (6) Dave Holly NWS 10 Oct 14, 1902 Maennerchor Hall, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, U.S.
150 Win 122–7–15 (6) Kid McPartland KO 5 (20) Oct 13, 1902 International A.C., Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada Retained world lightweight title
149 Win 121–7–15 (6) Jack Bennett KO 2 (6) Sep 22, 1902 Golden Gate A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
148 Win 120–7–15 (6) Gus Gardner KO 5 (20) Sep 17, 1902 Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
147 Win 119–7–15 (6) Rufe Turner TKO 15 (15) Jul 24, 1902 Acme A.C., Oakland, California, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
146 Win 118–7–15 (6) George "Elbows" McFadden TKO 3 (20) Jun 27, 1902 Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S. Retained world lightweight title
145 Win 117–7–15 (6) St Mary's County Bully DQ 3 (4) May 29, 1902 Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
144 Win 116–7–15 (6) Charles Boyer TKO 2 (4) May 28, 1902 Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
143 Win 115–7–15 (6) Edward Snowden KO 2 (4) May 28, 1902 Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
142 Win 114–7–15 (6) Joe Burke RTD 2 (4) May 27, 1902 Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
141 Win 113–7–15 (6) Frank Erne KO 1 (20) May 12, 1902 International A.C., Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada Won world lightweight title
140 Win 112–7–15 (6) Jack Bennett KO 5 (20) Mar 27, 1902 Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
139 Win 111–7–15 (6) Jack Ryan TKO 4 (15) Mar 7, 1902 Keystone A.C., Allentown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
138 Win 110–7–15 (6) George "Elbows" McFadden NWS 6 Feb 17, 1902 Penn Art Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
137 Win 109–7–15 (6) Eddie Connolly DQ 5 (6) Jan 6, 1902 Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
136 Win 108–7–15 (6) Tom Broderick KO 6 (20) Jan 1, 1902 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
135 Win 107–7–15 (6) Joe Youngs TKO 4 (6) Dec 30, 1901 Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
134 Win 106–7–15 (6) Bobby Dobbs TKO 14 (20) Dec 13, 1901 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
133 Win 105–7–15 (6) Billy Moore KO 3 (20) Nov 22, 1901 Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
132 Win 104–7–15 (6) Jack Hanlon KO 2 (20) Nov 15, 1901 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
131 Win 103–7–15 (6) Dan McConnell KO 3 (8) Oct 4, 1901 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
130 Win 102–7–15 (6) Joe Handler TKO 1 (20) Sep 30, 1901 Trenton A.C., Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.
129 Win 101–7–15 (6) Steve Crosby TKO 12 (20) Sep 20, 1901 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
128 Draw 100–7–15 (6) Steve Crosby PTS 20 Aug 23, 1901 Music Hall, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. Retained world colored lightweight title
127 Win 100–7–14 (6) Harry Berger NWS 6 Jul 15, 1901 Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
126 Win 99–7–14 (6) Kid Thomas NWS 6 Jul 15, 1901 Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
125 Win 98–7–14 (6) Jack Donahue TKO 2 (6) Jul 15, 1901 Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
124 Win 97–7–14 (6) Bobby Dobbs KO 7 (20) May 1, 1901 Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
123 Win 96–7–14 (6) Martin Flaherty TKO 4 (20) Apr 1, 1901 Ford's Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
122 Win 95–7–14 (6) Wilmington Jack Daly DQ 5 (20) Feb 13, 1901 Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
121 Loss 94–7–14 (6) Terry McGovern KO 2 (6) Dec 13, 1900 Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
120 Win 94–6–14 (6) Kid Parker KO 4 (10) Nov 16, 1900 Colorado A.C., Denver, Colorado, U.S.
119 Win 93–6–14 (6) Jimmy Kelly TKO 8 (10) Oct 19, 1900 Colorado A.C., Denver, Colorado, U.S.
118 Win 92–6–14 (6) Otto Sieloff KO 9 (10) Oct 16, 1900 Olympic A.C., Denver, Colorado, U.S.
117 Win 91–6–14 (6) Alec Johnson KO 1 (5) Oct 11, 1900 Leadville Athletic Club, Leadville, Colorado, U.S.
116 Win 90–6–14 (6) Bird Leg Collins TKO 4 (5) Oct 11, 1900 Leadville Athletic Club, Leadville, Colorado, U.S.
115 Win 89–6–14 (6) Joe Youngs PTS 10 Oct 5, 1900 Colorado A.A., Denver, Colorado, U.S.
114 Draw 88–6–14 (6) George "Elbows" McFadden PTS 10 Oct 2, 1900 Olympic A.C., Denver, Colorado, U.S.
113 Win 88–6–13 (6) George "Elbows" McFadden NWS 6 Sep 7, 1900 Penn Art Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
112 Win 87–6–13 (6) Dal Hawkins KO 3 (25) Aug 31, 1900 Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
111 Win 86–6–13 (6) Whitey Lester KO 4 (20) Jul 12, 1900 Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
110 Win 85–6–13 (6) Young Griffo TKO 8 (25) Jul 10, 1900 Seaside A.C., Coney Island, New York, U.S.
109 Win 84–6–13 (6) Barney Furey KO 9 (15) Jun 26, 1900 People's Theater, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
108 Win 83–6–13 (6) Dal Hawkins KO 2 (25) May 25, 1900 Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
107 Win 82–6–13 (6) Chicago Jack Daly TKO 5 (6) Apr 1, 1900 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
106 Loss 81–6–13 (6) Frank Erne TKO 12 (25) Mar 23, 1900 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. For world lightweight title;
Gans asked to have the bout stopped after being cut by an accidental head-butt.
105 Win 81–5–13 (6) Spike Sullivan TKO 14 (25) Feb 9, 1900 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
104 Draw 80–5–13 (6) Kid McPartland PTS 6 Dec 22, 1899 Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
103 Win 80–5–12 (6) Kid Ash PTS 15 Dec 11, 1899 Robinson Opera House, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
102 Win 79–5–12 (6) Steve Crosby PTS 6 Nov 11, 1899 Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
101 Win 78–5–12 (6) George "Elbows" McFadden PTS 25 Oct 31, 1899 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
100 Win 77–5–12 (6) Martin Judge PTS 25 Oct 11, 1899 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
99 Draw 76–5–12 (6) Wilmington Jack Daly NWS 6 Oct 7, 1899 Nonpareil A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
98 Win 76–5–11 (6) Jimmy Kelly PTS 25 Oct 3, 1899 Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
97 Win 75–5–11 (6) Martin Judge PTS 12 (20) Sep 15, 1899 Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. Police stopped the fight at the end of the 12th round on account of foul work in the clinches.
96 Win 74–5–11 (6) Eugene Bezenah KO 10 (25) Sep 1, 1899 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
95 Draw 73–5–11 (6) George "Elbows" McFadden PTS 25 Jul 28, 1899 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
94 Win 73–5–10 (6) Jack Dobbs TKO 4 (25) Jul 24, 1899 Seabright Casino, Ocean City, Maryland, U.S.
93 Loss 72–5–10 (6) George "Elbows" McFadden KO 23 (25) Apr 14, 1899 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
92 Win 72–4–10 (6) Billy Ernst DQ 10 (20) Feb 6, 1899 Olympic A.C., Buffalo, New York, U.S.
91 Win 71–4–10 (6) Martin Judge PTS 20 Jan 28, 1899 Crescent A.C., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
90 Win 70–4–10 (6) Young Smyrna KO 2 (25) Jan 13, 1899 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
89 Win 69–4–10 (6) Wilmington Jack Daly PTS 25 Dec 27, 1898 Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
88 Win 68–4–10 (6) Kid McPartland PTS 25 Nov 4, 1898 Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
87 Win 67–4–10 (6) William Duke PTS 4 Sep 30, 1898 Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
86 Win 66–4–10 (6) Fred Sweigert PTS 4 Sep 29, 1898 Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
85 Win 65–4–10 (6) James Martin TKO 4 (4) Sep 28, 1898 Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
84 Win 64–4–10 (6) Buck Baynor TKO 3 (4) Sep 27, 1898 Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
83 Win 63–4–10 (6) William Hinton TKO 1 (4) Sep 27, 1898 Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
82 Win 62–4–10 (6) Joseph Smith TKO 1 (4) Sep 27, 1898 Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
81 Win 61–4–10 (6) Herman Miller PTS 4 Sep 26, 1898 Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
80 Win 60–4–10 (6) Thomas Jackson KO 3 (25) Sep 1, 1898 Talbot county fair, Easton, Maryland, U.S.
79 Win 59–4–10 (6) Young Smyrna TKO 15 (25) Aug 26, 1898 Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
78 Win 58–4–10 (6) Billy Ernst KO 11 (25) Aug 8, 1898 Greater New York A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
77 Win 57–4–10 (6) George Brown TKO 6 (10) Jul 1, 1898 Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
76 Win 56–4–10 (6) Joe Kid Robinson PTS 6 Jun 3, 1898 Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
75 NC 55–4–10 (6) Joe Kid Robinson NC 3 (6) Jun 2, 1898 Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. The lights went out in the building, and the show had to be called off until next day.
74 Win 55–4–10 (5) Steve Crosby RTD 6 (20) May 11, 1898 Music Hall, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
73 Win 54–4–10 (5) Young Starlight TKO 3 (3) Apr 11, 1898 Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
72 Win 53–4–10 (5) Young Smyrna TKO 3 (3) Apr 11, 1898 Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. Police stopped the fight.
71 Win 52–4–10 (5) Tommy Shortell TKO 6 (8) Mar 11, 1898 Academy Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
70 Win 51–4–10 (5) Frank Garrard TKO 15 (20) Jan 17, 1898 Central Armory, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
69 Win 50–4–10 (5) Billy Young TKO 2 (8) Jan 3, 1898 Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
68 Win 49–4–10 (5) Stanton Abbott TKO 5 (8) Nov 29, 1897 Academy of Music, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
67 Draw 48–4–10 (5) Wilmington Jack Daly NWS 6 Nov 6, 1897 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
66 Loss 48–4–9 (5) Bobby Dobbs PTS 20 Sep 27, 1897 Greenpoint S.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. For world colored lightweight title
65 Draw 48–3–9 (5) Young Griffo PTS 15 Sep 21, 1897 Olympic A.C., Athens, Pennsylvania, U.S.
64 Win 48–3–8 (5) Izzy Strauss KO 5 (15) Aug 30, 1897 Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
63 Win 47–3–8 (5) Jack McCue TKO 6 (?) Aug 24, 1897 Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
62 Win 46–3–8 (5) John Coates TKO 5 (?) Aug 24, 1897 Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
61 Win 45–3–8 (5) Jerry Marshall TKO 8 (?) Aug 24, 1897 Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
60 Win 44–3–8 (5) George Thomas TKO 3 (?) Aug 24, 1897 Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
59 Win 43–3–8 (5) August Stenzie TKO 3 (?) Aug 24, 1897 Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
58 Win 42–3–8 (5) Mike Leonard PTS 20 May 18, 1897 Olympic A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S.
57 Win 41–3–8 (5) Howard Wilson KO 9 (20) Apr 3, 1897 Polo A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
56 Win 40–3–8 (5) Charles Rochette RTD 4 (10) Dec 14, 1896 Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
55 Win 39–3–8 (5) Jerry Marshall PTS 20 Nov 12, 1896 Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
54 Win 38–3–8 (5) Jack Williams TKO 3 (8) Oct 19, 1896 Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. Police stopped the fight.
53 Loss 37–3–8 (5) Dal Hawkins PTS 15 Oct 6, 1896 Bohemian Sporting Club, New York City, New York, U.S.
52 Win 37–2–8 (5) John Ball PTS 4 Sep 28, 1896 East Side A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
51 Draw 36–2–8 (5) Danny McBride PTS 20 Aug 31, 1896 Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
50 Win 36–2–7 (5) Jack Williams TKO 2 (?) Aug 20, 1896 Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
49 Win 35–2–7 (5) Tommy Butler PTS 12 Jun 29, 1896 South Brooklyn A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
48 Win 34–2–7 (5) Jimmy Watson PTS 10 Jun 8, 1896 Bijou Theater, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
47 Win 33–2–7 (5) Jimmy Kennard TKO 6 (12) Feb 22, 1896 West Newton Street Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
46 Win 32–2–7 (5) Joe Elliott KO 7 (8) Jan 17, 1896 Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
45 Win 31–2–7 (5) Benny Peterson PTS 4 Jan 11, 1896 Ariel A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
44 Win 30–2–7 (5) George Siddons KO 7 (25) Nov 28, 1895 Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
43 Draw 29–2–7 (5) Young Griffo PTS 10 Nov 18, 1895 Front Street Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. Pre-arranged draw if lasting full distance.
42 Win 29–2–6 (5) Joe Elliott KO 9 (25) Oct 21, 1895 Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
41 Draw 28–2–6 (5) George Siddons PTS 20 Jul 15, 1895 Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
40 Win 28–2–5 (5) Howard Wilson PTS 10 May 28, 1895 Kernan's Theatre, Washington, D.C., U.S.
39 Win 27–2–5 (5) Benny Peterson KO 17 (20) May 20, 1895 Riverside Athletic Club, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
38 Win 26–2–5 (5) George Willis KO 4 (10) May 14, 1895 Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
37 Draw 25–2–5 (5) Howard Wilson PTS 6 May 9, 1895 Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
36 Win 25–2–4 (5) Frank Peabody TKO 3 (8) May 4, 1895 Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
35 Win 24–2–4 (5) Kentucky Rosebud TKO 8 (8) Apr 25, 1895 Front Street Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
34 Win 23–2–4 (5) David Armstrong TKO 3 (6) Apr 18, 1895 Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
33 Loss 22–2–4 (5) Johnny Van Heest PTS 9 (8) Apr 13, 1895 Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
32 Win 22–1–4 (5) Kentucky Rosebud NWS 6 Apr 1, 1895 Monumental Amphitheater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
31 Win 21–1–4 (5) Paul Johnson PTS 6 Mar 22, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
30 Win 20–1–4 (5) Harry Hunt TKO 4 (?) Mar 20, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
29 Draw 19–1–4 (5) Howard Wilson PTS 10 Mar 18, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
28 Draw 19–1–3 (5) Fred Sweigert PTS 10 Mar 7, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
27 Win 19–1–2 (5) Solomon English TKO 10 (10) Mar 6, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. Police interfered.
26 Win 18–1–2 (5) Max Wirsing TKO 3 (?) Mar 4, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
25 Draw 17–1–2 (5) James Daly PTS 11 (10) Feb 16, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. An extra-round was fought.
24 Win 17–1–1 (5) John Coates PTS 11 (10) Feb 11, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. 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, U.S.
22 Win 15–1–1 (5) Fred Sweigert PTS 10 Feb 6, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
21 Draw 14–1–1 (5) Dave Horn PTS 10 Jan 23, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
20 Win 14–1 (5) George Brummell TKO 5 (?) Jan 19, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
19 Win 13–1 (5) Paul Johnson PTS 10 Jan 11, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
18 Win 12–1 (5) Bud Brown PTS 10 Jan 7, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
17 Win 11–1 (5) Samuel Allen KO 3 (?) Jan 7, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
16 Win 10–1 (5) Fred Sweigert PTS ? Jan 1, 1895 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
15 Win 9–1 (5) Jack McDonald TKO 8 (?) Dec 28, 1894 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
14 Win 8–1 (5) John Coates PTS 10 Dec 27, 1894 Monumental A.C., Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
13 Win 7–1 (5) Fred Sweigert NWS 10 Dec 21, 1894 Monumental A.C., Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
12 Win 6–1 (5) Travis Brown PTS 6 Dec 17, 1894 Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
11 ND 5–1 (5) Bud Young ND 4 Nov 27, 1894 Canton Academy, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
10 ND 5–1 (4) Paul Johnson ND 3 (?) Nov 12, 1894 Grand Army Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
9 Win 5–1 (3) Jackson TKO 3 (4) Jul 10, 1894 Kernan's Theatre, Washington, D.C., U.S.
8 Loss 4–1 (3) Paul Johnson PTS 5 Jun 27, 1894 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
7 Win 4–0 (3) Gustav Wilkie PTS 4 Jun 26, 1894 Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
6 ND 3–0 (3) Robert Cook ND ? May 21, 1894 M F Conklin`s Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
5 Win 3–0 (2) Harry Brian PTS ? Apr 25, 1894 Allerino Gannic Casino, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
4 ND 2–0 (2) Dave Horn ND 3 (?) Apr 19, 1894 Beach's Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
3 Win 2–0 (1) William Jones KO 4 (?) Feb 12, 1894 Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
2 Win 1–0 (1) William Jones RTD 6 (?) Nov 27, 1893 Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
1 ND 0–0 (1) Buck Myers ND ? Oct 23, 1893 Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.

Sports achievements

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

See also

kids search engine
Joe Gans Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.