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
NBA Team Profiles: Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets have been doing okay this season. They are ranked 14th in
Greatest NFL Underdogs of the 21st Century
Everyone loves an underdog story, even in the NFL, where the very best players
Help Select The “All-Time Greatest NBA Forwards To Wear Jersey #2”
Looking at sports history and reminiscing about legendary players from different eras is a
Help Select The “All-Time Greatest NBA Guards To Wear Jersey #2”
Looking at sports history and reminiscing about legendary players from different eras is a
Super Bowl XLVII (Baltimore Ravens vs. San Fransisco 49ers): An Ultimate Recount of the Game
Today we have Super Bowl XLVII, held on February 3, 2013 at Mercedes-Benz Superdome
The Bears vs. Packers Game Forgotten In Time!
Each year, the glorious matchups between the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers
The First St. Louis Cardinals’ Playoff Game
Pro football in the current day and age seems to produce one or two
Help Select The “All-Time Greatest NBA Centers To Wear Jersey #1”
Looking at sports history and reminiscing about legendary players from different eras is a