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
Pennsylvania High School Football History (A Flash Back In Time)
This week I speak to the founder and primary contributor of PAFBHISTORY.COM, a website dedicated to
Sports History On This Day: April 6
April 6, 1896 – The First modern-era Olympic Games have opening ceremonies not far from
St. Louis Cardinals: My Secret “2nd Favorite Team” Growing Up
Most of us who follow sports have a favorite team. In baseball, my favorite
Sports History On This Day: April 5
April 5, 1927 – American champion swimmer, Johnny Weissmuller set a couple of records in
Sports History On This Day: April 4
April 4, 1937 – At what was just the 4th Masters Golf Tournament, or officially
Sports History On This Day: April 3
April 3, 1962 – Legendary jockey Eddie Arcaro at the ripe old age of 46 years old,
Sports History On This Day: April 2
April 2, 1931 – This story is one of those juicy tidbits from history. A
Super Bowl XXXIII (Broncos vs. Falcons): An Ultimate Recount of the Game
Today we have Super Bowl XXXIII, which was held on January 31, 1999, at