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
Sports History On This Day: March 31
March 31, 1909 – The National Baseball Commission adopted a new rule regarding ineligible players.
Sports History On This Day: March 30
March 30, 1947 – Babe Didrikson Zaharias wins her first of three Titleholders titles as
Tie Domi vs. Joe Fan: A Wild Night People Talk About Over 20 Years Later
Spring is a time when a man’s fancy turns to something. Maybe sometimes, a
Sports History On This Day: March 29
March 29, 1989 – It was a historic moment in sports when the first athletes
1976 Pittsburgh Steelers: Best 10-Game Winning Streak In NFL History?
The 1976 season got off to an excellent start for the defending Super Bowl
Sports History On This Day: March 28
March 28, 1939 – The New York Renaissance Big Five basketball team won the very
He’s Not The Mascot! The Legend of Billy Cross
No one…absolutely no one thought he was a professional football player. In fact, the
Sports History On This Day: March 27
March 27, 1939: The inaugural NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship was played. The single-elimination game