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
Running Wild: Growing Up in the 1970s w/ Sports
This article is a little different than what I usually write because it’s not
Ray Bray: A Key Member of the “Monsters of the Midway”
Throughout the years, there have been legendary “enforcers” in the NFL. Guys like Dick
Sports History On This Day: September 26
September 26, 1954 – The Athletic’s played their final home game in Philadelphia. The franchise
Sports History On This Day: September 25
September 25, 1988 – USA, USA, USA those were the chants across the country as
Sports History On This Day: September 24
September 24, 1919 – It was a sign of good things to come when then,
Sports History On This Day: September 23
September 23, 1845 – The first organized baseball team, the NY Knickerbockers formed, after
Sports History On This Day: September 22
September 1927 – As our late friend Frank Reading would say, “This fight was one
Sports History On This Day: September 21
September 21, 1955 – The end of an era in the ring was occurring. It