September 3, 1908 – Prize fighter Tommy Burns was the world champion in the heavyweight division of boxing in the first decade of the 20th-Century. His eye was on the prize of keeping his belt and preparing to step in the ring with the top challenger for his title, Jack Johnson.
The Canadian boxing champion bided his time and spent it well as on this day he traveled down under and knocked out Australian upstart Bill Lang in 6 rounds in Melbourne in a warmup fight for his famous title bout with Mr. Johnson. Burns was finally enticed to fight challenger Jack Johnson at the Sydney Stadium in Rushcutters Bay, Boxing Day 1908.
The fight was to change the history of boxing with Johnson crowned the first black Heavyweight World Champion.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network
Remembering Two Great NFL Playoff Games of the 1970s
There were a couple of very competitive playoff games in the NFL during the
The Birth of the NFL: Revisiting Sports History’s Most Iconic Moments
The National Football League’s journey began modestly in an Ohio car dealership. A group
Bill Walton’s Feet: A Legacy of Pain and Progress
How does a player who spent 14 seasons in the NBA with only two
History of NBA Team Nicknames: Atlantic Division
I love the history of sports team nicknames. Today I am sharing some of
Charlotte Hornets’ Arena History: From the Charlotte Coliseum to the Spectrum Center
The journey of the Charlotte Hornets’ arenas is a fascinating tale of evolution, innovation,
1964 Buffalo Bills (Best Team in AFL History?)
I began watching Pro Football in 1969, probably sooner, since my father and older
Curse Reversed. Looking Back at the 2004 Red Sox
For many Red Sox fans, it will feel like yesterday. But even for neutrals,
Top 5 NFL Teams of the 2010s
We hope this doesn’t spoil any surprises, but the 2017 Cleveland Browns will not be featured on