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: July 9
July 9, 1877 – The First-ever Wimbledon tennis championship tournament began. It was truly a
Sports History On This Day: July 8
July 8, 1989 – It was the end of a brutal era in the world
Sports History On This Day: July 7
July 7, 1900 – Boston Beaneaters pitcher Kid Nichols notches his 300th career MLB victory
Sports History On This Day: July 6
July 6, 1929 – It was an amazing event no matter what era it took
Christiano da Matta’s Magical Season
It was 2002 and driver Cristiano da Matta roared to the CART championship with
Sports History On This Day: July 5
July 5, 1989 – History was made with family members playing in the MLB. Barry Bonds
Super Bowl XXXVIII (Panthers vs. Patriots): An Ultimate Recount of the Game
Today we have Super Bowl XXXVIII, which was held on February 1, 2004, at
Sports History On This Day: July 4
July 4, 1907 – Across the pond at the Wimbledon Men’s Tennis tournament a milestone event