June 27, 1890 – A milestone in sports history occurred in the 19th-century boxing arena. Canadian boxer George Dixon became the first black world champion when he won in a decision over British bantamweight champion Edwin “Nunc” Wallace in 18 rounds in London, England. “Little Chocolate” as he was known is considered one of the best fighters in the history of the bantamweight and featherweight divisions.
It was later in that year he gave up the title, after just one successful defense. George had a plan though as he subsequently fought as a featherweight and then held the championship of that weight class from July 28, 1891, when he KO’d Abe Willis of Australia all the way to losing the belt on October 4, 1897, when he lost a 20-round decision to Solly Smith.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network
Marvin “Bad News” Barnes: The Nickname Explains It All
Marvin “Bad News” Barnes was a naturally gifted player who seemed to just be
Mark Morthier’s All-Time NFL List
As part of the NFL’s 100th anniversary, a team of 26 committee members selected
From Okinawa to Wrigley Field: WWII Vets Outflank Halas!
As we celebrate our first anniversary of “When Football Was Football” on the Sports
Super Bowl XIV (Steelers vs. Rams): An Ultimate Recount of the Game
Today we have Super Bowl XIV, which was held on January 20, 1980, in
New York Mets: World Series Appearances
It goes without saying that the New York Mets have not had anywhere near
Jay Berwanger: The NFL’s First-Ever Draft Pick (1936)
One of the most important innovations in the history of the National Football League
Super Bowl XIII (Steelers vs. Cowboys): An Ultimate Recount of the Game
Today we have Super Bowl XIII, which was held on January 21, 1979, in
1973 NFL Playoffs – A Year of Redemption for 3 Teams
Seemingly every year in pro football, or at least every few years, a couple