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
Sports History On This Day: September 12
September 12, 1982 – At the US Open Men’s Tennis tournament there was a historic
Why Was “Shorty” Ray Considered an NFL Giant?
When we think of really big men who have had a positive impact on
Sports History On This Day: September 11
September 11, 1886 – We all know that the name of a ship named the
Sports History On This Day: September 10
September 10, 1918 – It was game 5 of the World Series between the Chicago
“Iron” Mike Sharpe: Embrace the Brace
On the morning of February 5, 2018 my wife slipped and fell on a
Sports History On This Day: September 9
September 9, 1960 – It was the dawn of a whole new era of professional
Sports History On This Day: September 8
September 8, 1894 – We may not remember who William K. L. Dickson is today
Sports History On This Day: September 7
September 7, 1896 – The first automobile race was held on a closed-circuit track.