Joe Gans


Joe Gans was an American professional boxer. Gans was rated the greatest lightweight boxer of all time by boxing historian and Ring Magazine founder Nat Fleischer. Known as the "Old Master," Gans became the first African-American world boxing champion of the 20th century, reigning continuously as world lightweight champion from 1902 to 1908, defending the title 15 times against 13 other boxers. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.

Life and career

Early life

Gans was born as Joseph Gant on November 25, 1874 in Baltimore, MD. He started boxing professionally in 1891 in Baltimore.

Two fights in one day

On January 7, 1895, after knocking out Samuel Allen in three rounds, Allen's second, Bud Brown, immediately challenged Gans. Not backing down from a fight, Gans accepted and outpointed Brown in a 10-round points decision.

Title bouts

On March 3, 1900, at the Broadway Athletic Club in New York City, Gans quit with an eye injury in the twelfth round and lost via TKO while challenging lightweight champion Frank Erne in Gans' first title fight.
However, in their rematch two years later at the International A.C. in Fort Erie, Ontario, Gans knocked Erne out in one round to convincingly take the world lightweight title. "In the exchange, Gans got both hands to head, and Erne seemed a trifle dazed. Gans felt him out with a left shove to the face, drawing blood to nose. Erne seemed dazed, and Gans rushed and exchanged, putting right plump on Erne's jaw. Erne fell slowly to the floor with his mouth and nose bleeding, rolled over on his stomach, and was counted out before he could attempt to regain his feet." Gans had thus become the first-ever U.S.-born African-American boxing champion. Gans reigned as champion from 1902 to 1908.
On January 6, 1902, Gans defeated the former world welterweight champion, Canadian-born Eddie Connolly, in a five-round bout at the Washington Sports Club in Philadelphia.
One reporter noted that Connolly "did nothing but hug and wrestle, adding variety to his performance in the third by deliberately trying to butt the Baltimorean ." The reporter also noted that Connolly clinched frequently and "wrestled" rather than boxed, probably to protect himself from Gans' fierce assaults. By the time the referee ended the bout in the fifth round, Connolly had been "rendered practically helpless" by the powerful punching of Gans.
Gans also defended his Lightweight World Title against other talented boxers such as Steve Crosby and Gus Gardiner. There was also Charley Sieger, Kid McPartland, Rufe Turner, Charles "Elbows" McFadden, and Frank Erne.
In an important title defense, he defeated the "Durable Dane" Oscar "Battling" Nelson in 42 rounds on September 3, 1906, in Goldfield, Nevada. This blockbuster fight, arranged by legendary promoter Tex Rickard, would eventually be honored with a historic memorial.
On September 15, 1905, Gans fought to a 15-round prearranged draw with future Welterweight World Championship claimant Mike "Twin" Sullivan. Most people reporting on the fights believed that Sullivan deserved the decision. In an immediate rematch, he defeated Sullivan by knockout on January 19 and March 17, 1906, in San Francisco and Los Angeles and again in March of the same year.
Although the bout was recorded as a Welterweight Title match and thus supposedly had a weight limit of around 142 pounds, Gans' weigh-in was estimated to have been 134 pounds. Gans' defeat of the heavier Sullivan, a strong puncher by reputation, showed his mastery in the ring. In this well-attended bout, Gans share of the gate was a considerable $2,425.20, and Sullivan's was $1,616.80. Gans reportedly had bet another $1,700 on himself.
Gans and Battling Nelson fought for the World Lightweight title twice in Colma, California: first on July 4 and again on September 9 of 1908. Gans lost the first fight by knockout in the 17th round of 45, ending his multi-year reign as champion; he lost the rematch via KO in the 21st round of 45.
But there were reports that the conditions were laid down by Nelson's handlers. Gans had to weigh in at ringside at not more than 132 lbs fully dressed. Black fighters in those days deferred to the white men in a way we can't realise today.
A very important point also is that Gans was actually dying by then of consumption, and in fact died less than 2 years later of the incurable disease.;;; So all was not exactly as it seemed.

Draw with Barbados Joe Walcott

On September 30, 1904, Gans fought to a 20-round draw against Barbados Joe Walcott. "The San Francisco Chronicle reported that Walcott damaged ligaments in his left arm and that it was 'useless from the 4th round on.' It was announced before the fight that no title was at stake. Referee Jack Welch gave 7 rounds to Gans, 5 to Walcott, with 8 even, but thought that Walcott's aggressiveness compensated Gans' advantage in cleverness. Shortly after this fight, Walcott accidentally shot himself in the hand and was out of action until January 1906."

Death

Joe Gans died on August 10, 1910, of tuberculosis, at the age of 35. He is buried in Mount Auburn Cemetery in Baltimore. His monument is maintained by the International Boxing Commission and sits just to the left of the main entrance of the cemetery.
His monument reads: "I was born in the city of Baltimore in the year 1874, and it might be well to state at this time that my right name is Joseph Gant, not Gans. However, when I became an object of newspaper publicity, some reporter made a mistake and my name appeared as Joe Gans, and as Joe Gans it remained ever since."

Professional honors and legacy

Gans had a final professional record of 145 wins with 100 knockouts, 10 losses, 16 draws, 6 no contests and 19 no decisions. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
A bronze statue of Joe Gans stands on the suite floor at Madison Square Garden, having previously been outside of the locker rooms. Boxers would traditionally bump the statue's outstretched left fist for good luck before matches.
Gans' legendary fight with Battling Nelson on September 3, 1906, was commemorated with a memorial located in Goldfield, Nevada, at the site of the fight.
Gans was the first African-American to win a World Boxing Championship and the first to win a Lightweight Boxing title. Gans' achievements not only set new records, but gave African Americans hope in the early twentieth century. In a time of racial segregation, champion Joe Gans somehow emerged victorious.
Gans was rated the greatest Lightweight boxer of all-time by boxing historian and Ring Magazine founder Nat Fleischer.
One boxing historian writes of Gans: "Through his ring accomplishments, Gans put into action what others could only theorize. The articulation of the black quest for social equality reached large audiences through the pulpits, and the most authoritative sermons were published in newspapers and religious quarterlies."
On November 25, 2024, Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Baltimore mayor Brandon Scott issued proclamations recognizing the day as Joe Gans Day.

Motion picture

The Gans-Nelson battle in Colma, California, was the subject of a four-reel motion picture that played in major cities around the country.

Hemingway connection

used Joe Gans as a character in his 1916 short story "A Matter of Colour." This early story set the stage for Hemingway's 1927 parable "The Killers."

Professional boxing record

All information in this section is derived from BoxRec unless otherwise stated.

Official record

All newspaper decisions are officially regarded as "no decision" bouts and are not counted in the win/loss/draw column.
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
199WinJabez WhiteNWS10Mar 12, 1909National S.C., New York City, US
198Loss147–10–16 Battling NelsonKO21 Sep 9, 1908Mission Street Arena, Colma, California, USFor world lightweight title
197Loss147–9–16 Battling NelsonKO17 Jul 4, 1908Mission Street Arena, Colma, California, USLost world lightweight title
196Win147–8–16 Rudy UnholzTKO11 May 14, 1908Coliseum, San Francisco, California, USRetained world lightweight title
195Win146–8–16 Frank 'Spike' RobsonTKO3, 2:25Apr 1, 1908National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
194Win145–8–16 Bob BlackburnKO3 Jan 3, 1908Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
193Win144–8–16 George MemsicPTS20Sep 27, 1907Naud Junction Pavilion, Los Angeles, CaliforniaRetained world lightweight title
192Win143–8–16 Jimmy BrittTKO6 Sep 9, 1907Recreation Park, San Francisco, California, USRetained world lightweight title
191Win142–8–16 Kid HermanKO8 Jan 1, 1907Casino A.C. Arena, Tonopah, California, USRetained world lightweight title
190Win141–8–16 Battling NelsonDQ42 Sep 3, 1906Casino Amphitheatre, Goldfield, Nevada, USRetained world lightweight title;
A fight to the finish
189Win140–8–16 Dave HollyPTS20Jul 23, 1906Pleasant Beach, Bainbridge Island, Washington, USRetained world lightweight title
188Win139–8–16 Jack BlackburnNWS6Jun 29, 1906National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
187Draw139–8–16 Harry LewisNWS6Jun 15, 1906National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
186Loss139–8–16 Willie LewisNWS6May 18, 1906Madison Square Garden, New York City, US
185Win139–8–16 Mike "Twin" SullivanTKO10 Mar 17, 1906Chutes Park, Los Angeles, CaliforniaRetained world welterweight title claim at 142 lbs;
Police stopped the fight
184Win138–8–16 Mike 'Twin' SullivanKO15, 1:15Jan 19, 1906Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, USGans claims world welterweight title at 142lbs
183Draw137–8–16 Mike 'Twin' SullivanPTS15Sep 15, 1905Lyric Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, USRetained world lightweight title;
Pre-arranged draw if lasting the distance
182Win137–8–15 Rufe TurnerNWS6Mar 27, 1905Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
181Win137–8–15 Jimmy BrittDQ5, 0:30Oct 31, 1904Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, USRetained world lightweight title;
Britt DQ'd for hitting Gans while he was rising from a knockdown
180Draw136–8–15 Barbados Joe WalcottPTS20Sep 30, 1904Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US
179Draw136–8–14 Dave HollyNWS6Jun 27, 1904National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
178Win136–8–14 Sammy SmithTKO4 Jun 13, 1904National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
177Win135–8–14 Kid GriffoTKO7 Jun 3, 1904Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
176Win134–8–14 Jewey CookRTD7 May 27, 1904Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
175Win133–8–14 Sam BolenPTS15Apr 21, 1904Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
174Win132–8–14 Gus GardnerPTS10Mar 28, 1904Arbelten Hall, Saginaw, Michigan, US
173Win131–8–14 Jack BlackburnPTS15Mar 25, 1904Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
172Win130–8–14 Mike WardTKO10 Feb 2, 1904Light Guard Armory, Detroit, Michigan, US
171Win129–8–14 Joe GrimPTS10Jan 22, 1904Shlegel's Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
170Win128–8–14 Clarence ConnorsTKO2 Jan 19, 1904Mount Clemens, Michigan, US
169Win127–8–14 Willie FitzgeraldPTS10Jan 12, 1904Light Guard Armory, Detroit, Michigan, USRetained world lightweight title
168Loss126–8–14 Sam LangfordPTS15Dec 8, 1903Criterion A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
167Win126–7–14 Dave HollyNWS6Dec 7, 1903Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
166Loss126–7–14 Jack BlackburnNWS6Nov 2, 1903Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
165Draw126–7–14 Dave HollyNWS6Oct 23, 1903State A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
164Win126–7–14 Eddie KennedyNWS6Oct 20, 1903 Southern A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
163Win126–7–14 Joe GrimNWS6Oct 19, 1903Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
162Win126–7–14 Buddy KingKO5 Jul 4, 1903Old Baseball Park, Butte, Montana, US
161Win125–7–14 Willie FitzgeraldKO10 May 29, 1903Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US
160Win124–7–14 Tom TraceyTKO9 May 13, 1903Pastime A.C., Portland, Oregon, US
159Win123–7–14 Jack BennettKO5 Mar 23, 1903Masonic Hall, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, US
158Win122–7–14 Steve CrosbyTKO11 Mar 11, 1903Whittington Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas, USRetained world lightweight title
157Win121–7–14 Gus GardnerDQ11, 1:05Jan 1, 1903Casino, New Britain, Connecticut, USRetained world lightweight title
156Draw120–7–14 Charley SiegarPTS10Dec 31, 1902Criterion A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, USPre-arranged draw if lasting the distance.
155Win120–7–13 Howard WilsonTKO3 Dec 19, 1902Scituate Athletic Club, Scituate, Rhode Island, US
154Win119–7–13 Charley SiegarTKO14 Nov 14, 1902Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, USRetained world lightweight title
153Win118–7–13 Dave HollyNWS10Oct 14, 1902Maennerchor Hall, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, US
152Win118–7–13 Kid McPartlandKO5, 2:25Oct 13, 1902International A.C., Fort Erie, Ontario, CanadaRetained world lightweight title
151Win117–7–13 Jack BennettKO2 Sep 22, 1902Golden Gate A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
150Win116–7–13 Gus GardnerKO5 Sep 17, 1902Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
149Win115–7–13 Rufe TurnerKO15 Jul 24, 1902Acme A.C., Oakland, California, USRetained world lightweight title
148Win114–7–13 George 'Elbows' McFaddenTKO3 Jun 27, 1902Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, USRetained world lightweight title
147Win113–7–13 St. Mary's County BullyDQ3 May 29, 1902Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
146Win112–7–13 Charles BoyerTKO2 May 28, 1902Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
145Win111–7–13 Edward SnowdenKO2 May 28, 1902Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
144Win110–7–13 Joe BurkeRTD2 May 27, 1902Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
143Win109–7–13 Frank ErneKO1, 1:40May 12, 1902International A.C., Fort Erie, Ontario, CanadaWon world lightweight title
142Win108–7–13 Jack BennettKO5 Mar 27, 1902Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US
141Win107–7–13 Jack RyanTKO4 Mar 7, 1902Keystone A.C., Allentown, Pennsylvania, US
140Win106–7–13 George 'Elbows' McFaddenNWS6Feb 17, 1902Penn Art Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
139Win106–7–13 Eddie ConnollyDQ5 Jan 6, 1902Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USConnolly DQ'd for head-butting Gans multiple times under the chin
138Win105–7–13 Tom BroderickKO6 Jan 3, 1902Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
137Win104–7–13 Joe YoungsTKO4 Dec 30, 1901Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USYoungs quit in the middle of the round, with both of his eyes almost closed
136Win103–7–13 Bobby DobbsTKO14 Dec 13, 1901Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
135Win102–7–13 Billy MooreKO3 Nov 22, 1901Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
134Win101–7–13 Jack HanlonKO2 Nov 15, 1901Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
133Win100–7–13 Dan McConnellKO3 Oct 4, 1901Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
132Win99–7–13 Joe HandlerTKO1 Sep 30, 1901Trenton A.C., Trenton, New Jersey, US
131Win98–7–13 Steve CrosbyTKO12 Sep 20, 1901Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, USPolice stopped the fight
130Draw97–7–13 Steve CrosbyPTS20Aug 23, 1901Music Hall, Louisville, Kentucky, USRetained world colored lightweight title
129Win97–7–12 Kid ThomasNWS6Jul 15, 1901Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, USThird fight in one day
128Win97–7–12 Jack DonahueTKO2 Jul 15, 1901Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, USSecond fight in one day
127Win96–7–12 Harry BergerNWS6Jul 15, 1901Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US
126Win96–7–12 Bobby DobbsKO7 May 31, 1901Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
125Win95–7–12 Martin FlahertyTKO4 Apr 1, 1901Ford's Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
124Win94–7–12 Wilmington Jack DalyDQ5, 2:05Feb 13, 1901Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
123Loss93–7–12 Terry McGovernKO2, 2:05Dec 13, 1900Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, US
122Win93–6–12 Kid ParkerKO4 Nov 16, 1900Colorado A.C., Denver, Colorado, US
121Win92–6–12 Jimmy 'Spider' KellyTKO8 Oct 19, 1900Colorado A.C., Denver, Colorado, US
120Win91–6–12 Otto SieloffKO9 Oct 16, 1900Olympic A.C., Denver, Colorado, US
119Win90–6–12 Alec JohnsonKO1, 2:23Oct 11, 1900Leadville Athletic Club, Leadville, Colorado, US
118Win89–6–12 Bird Leg CollinsTKO4 Oct 11, 1900Leadville Athletic Club, Leadville, Colorado, US
117Win88–6–12 Joe YoungsPTS10Oct 5, 1900Colorado A.A., Denver, Colorado, US
116Draw87–6–12 George 'Elbows' McFaddenPTS10Oct 2, 1900Olympic A.C., Denver, Colorado, US
115Win87–6–11 George 'Elbows' McFaddenNWS6Sep 7, 1900Penn Art Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
114Win87–6–11 Dal HawkinsKO3 Aug 31, 1900Broadway A.C., New York City, USTime was either 2:21 or 2:57
113Win86–6–11 Whitey LesterKO4 Jul 12, 1900Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US
112Win85–6–11 Young GriffoTKO8, 1:38Jul 10, 1900Seaside A.C., Coney Island, New York, US
111Win84–6–11 Barney FureyKO9 Jun 26, 1900People's Theater, Cincinnati, Ohio, US
110Win83–6–11 Dal HawkinsKO2, 1:15May 25, 1900Broadway A.C., New York City, US
109Win82–6–11 Chicago Jack DalyTKO5 Apr 1, 1900Penn Art Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
108Loss81–6–11 Frank ErneTKO12 Mar 23, 1900Broadway A.C., New York City, USFor world lightweight title;
Gans asked to have the bout stopped after being cut by an accidental head-butt.
107Win81–5–11 Spike SullivanTKO14, 2:17Feb 9, 1900Broadway A.C., New York City, US
106Draw80–5–11 Kid McPartlandPTS6Dec 22, 1899Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, US
105Win80–5–10 Kid AshPTS15Dec 11, 1899Robinson Opera House, Cincinnati, Ohio, US
104Win79–5–10 Steve CrosbyPTS6Nov 24, 1899Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, US
103Win78–5–10 George 'Elbows' McFaddenPTS25Oct 31, 1899Broadway A.C., New York City, US
102Win77–5–10 Martin JudgePTS20Oct 11, 1899Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
101Draw76–5–10 Wilmington Jack DalyNWS6Oct 7, 1899Nonpareil A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
100Win76–5–10 Jimmy 'Spider' KellyPTS25Oct 3, 1899Lenox A.C., New York City, US
99Win75–5–10 Martin JudgePTS12 Sep 15, 1899Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, USPolice stopped the fight at the end of the 12th round
on account of foul work in the clinches.
98Win74–5–10 Eugene BezenahKO10, 2:23Sep 1, 1899Broadway A.C., New York City, US
97Draw73–5–10 George 'Elbows' McFaddenPTS25Jul 28, 1899Broadway A.C., New York City, US
96Win73–5–9 Jack DobbsTKO4 Jul 24, 1899Seabright Casino, Ocean City, Maryland, US
95Loss72–5–9 George 'Elbows' McFaddenKO23 Apr 14, 1899Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, US
94Win72–4–9 Billy ErnstDQ10 Feb 6, 1899Olympic A.C., Buffalo, New York, USErnst DQ'd for headbutting Gans
93Win71–4–9 Martin JudgePTS20Jan 28, 1899Crescent A.C., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
92Win70–4–9 Young SmyrnaKO2, 2:50Jan 13, 1899Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
91Win69–4–9 Wilmington Jack DalyPTS25Dec 27, 1898Lenox A.C., New York City, US
90Win68–4–9 Kid McPartlandPTS25Nov 4, 1898Lenox A.C., New York City, US
89Win67–4–9 William DukePTS4Sep 30, 1898Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
88Win66–4–9 Fred SweigertPTS4Sep 29, 1898Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
87Win65–4–9 James MartinTKO4 Sep 28, 1898Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
86Win64–4–9 Joseph SmithTKO1 Sep 27, 1898Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, USThird fight in one day
85Win63–4–9 William HintonTKO1 Sep 27, 1898Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, USSecond fight in one day
84Win62–4–9 Buck BaynorTKO3 Sep 27, 1898Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
83Win61–4–9 Herman MillerPTS4Sep 26, 1898Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
82Win60–4–9 Thomas JacksonKO3, 1:32Sep 1, 1898Talbot county fair, Easton, Maryland, US
81Win59–4–9 Young SmyrnaTKO15, 2:23Aug 26, 1898Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US
80Win58–4–9 Billy ErnstKO11 Aug 8, 1898Greater New York A.C., New York City, US
79Win57–4–9 George BrownTKO6 Jul 1, 1898Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US
78Win56–4–9 Joe Kid RobinsonPTS6Jun 3, 1898Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, US
7755–4–9 Joe Kid RobinsonNC3 Jun 2, 1898Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, USThe lights went out in the building, and the show had to be called off until next day.
76Win55–4–9 Steve CrosbyRTD6 May 11, 1898Music Hall, Louisville, Kentucky, US
75Win54–4–9 Young StarlightTKO3 Apr 11, 1898Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, USSecond fight in a day
74Win53–4–9 Young SmyrnaTKO3 Apr 11, 1898Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, USPolice stopped the fight.
73Win52–4–9 Tommy ShortellTKO6 Mar 11, 1898Academy Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
72Win51–4–9 Frank GarrardTKO15 Jan 17, 1898Central Armory, Cleveland, Ohio, US
71Win50–4–9 Billy YoungTKO2 Jan 3, 1898Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
70Win49–4–9 Stanton AbbottTKO5, 2:15Nov 29, 1897Academy of Music, Baltimore, Maryland, US
69Draw48–4–9 Wilmington Jack DalyNWS6Nov 6, 1897Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
68Loss48–4–9 Bobby DobbsPTS20Sep 27, 1897Greenpoint S.C., New York City, USFor world colored lightweight title
67Draw48–3–9 Young GriffoPTS15Sep 21, 1897Olympic A.C., Athens, Pennsylvania, US
66Win48–3–8 Izzy StraussKO5 Aug 30, 1897Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
65Win47–3–8 Jack McCueTKO6 Aug 24, 1897Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, USFifth fight in a day
64Win46–3–8 John CoatesTKO5 Aug 24, 1897Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, USFourth fight in a day
63Win45–3–8 Jerry MarshallTKO8 Aug 24, 1897Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, USThird fight in a day
62Win44–3–8 George ThomasTKO3 Aug 24, 1897Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, USSecond fight in a day
61Win43–3–8 August StenzieTKO3 Aug 24, 1897Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, US
60Win42–3–8 Mike LeonardPTS20May 18, 1897Olympic A.C., San Francisco, California, US
59Win41–3–8 Howard WilsonKO9 Apr 3, 1897Polo A.C., New York City, US
58Win40–3–8 Charles RochetteRTD4 Dec 14, 1896Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US
57Win39–3–8 Jerry MarshallPTS20Nov 12, 1896Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
56Win38–3–8 Jack WilliamsTKO3 Oct 19, 1896Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, USPolice stopped the fight.
55Loss37–3–8 Dal HawkinsPTS15Oct 6, 1896Bohemian Sporting Club, New York City, US
54Win37–2–8 John BallPTS4Sep 28, 1896East Side A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
53Draw36–2–8 Danny McBridePTS20Aug 31, 1896Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
52Win36–2–7 Jack WilliamsTKO2 Aug 20, 1896Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
51Win35–2–7 Tommy ButlerPTS12Jun 29, 1896South Brooklyn A.C., New York City, US
50Win34–2–7 Jimmy WatsonPTS10Jun 8, 1896Bijou Theater, Paterson, New Jersey, US
49Win33–2–7 Jimmy KennardTKO6 Feb 22, 1896West Newton Street Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, US
48Win32–2–7 Joe ElliottKO7 Jan 17, 1896Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
47Win31–2–7 Benny PetersonPTS4Jan 11, 1896Ariel A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
46Win30–2–7 George SiddonsKO7, 2:50Nov 28, 1895Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
45Draw29–2–7 Young GriffoPTS10Nov 18, 1895Front Street Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, USPre-arranged draw if lasting full distance.
44Win29–2–6 Joe ElliottKO9 Oct 21, 1895Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
43Draw28–2–6 George SiddonsPTS20Jul 15, 1895Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
42Win28–2–5 Howard WilsonPTS10May 28, 1895Kernan's Theatre, Washington, D.C., US
41Win27–2–5 Benny PetersonKO17 May 20, 1895Riverside Athletic Club, New York City, US
40Win26–2–5 George WillisKO4 May 14, 1895Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
39Draw25–2–5 Howard WilsonPTS6May 9, 1895Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
38Win25–2–4 Frank PeabodyTKO3 May 4, 1895Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
37Win24–2–4 Kentucky RosebudTKO8 Apr 25, 1895Front Street Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
36Win23–2–4 David ArmstrongTKO3 Apr 18, 1895Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
35Loss22–2–4 Johnny Van HeestPTS9 Apr 13, 1895Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, USGans had Van Heese whipped to a standstill in the eighth round,
but Mr. Daniel Carr, the referee, ordered an extra round.
Though Van Heest had none the best of the last round, he was given the decision.
34Win22–1–4 Kentucky RosebudNWS6Apr 1, 1895Monumental Amphitheater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
33Win22–1–4 Paul JohnsonPTS6Mar 22, 1895Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
32Win21–1–4 Harry HuntTKO4 Mar 20, 1895Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
31Draw20–1–4 Howard WilsonPTS10Mar 18, 1895Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
30Draw20–1–3 Fred SweigertPTS10Mar 7, 1895Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
29Win20–1–2 Solomon EnglishTKO10 Mar 6, 1895Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, USPolice interfered.
28Win19–1–2 Max WirsingTKO3 Mar 4, 1895Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
27Draw18–1–2 James DalyPTS11 Feb 16, 1895Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, USAn extra-round was fought.
26Win18–1–1 James DavisKO3 Feb 12, 1895Kernan's Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, USSecond fight in one day
25Win17–1–1 John BallPTS6Feb 12, 1895Kernan's Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
24Win16–1–1 John CoatesPTS11 Feb 11, 1895Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, USAn additional round was fought to decide the winner.
23Win15–1–1 Samuel YoungKO3 Feb 7, 1895Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
22Win14–1–1 Fred SweigertPTS10Feb 6, 1895Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
21Draw13–1–1 Dave HornPTS10Jan 23, 1895Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
20Win13–1 George BrummellTKO5 Jan 19, 1895Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
19Win12–1 Paul JohnsonPTS10Jan 11, 1895Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
18Win11–1 Bud BrownPTS10Jan 7, 1895Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, USSecond fight in one day after Allen's corner man offered to fight Gans
17Win10–1 Samuel AllenKO3 Jan 7, 1895Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
16Win9–1 Fred SweigertPTS?Jan 1, 1895Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
15Win8–1 Jack McDonaldTKO8 Dec 28, 1894Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
14Win7–1 John CoatesPTS10Dec 27, 1894Monumental A.C., Baltimore, Maryland, US
13Win6–1 Fred SweigertNWS10Dec 21, 1894Monumental A.C., Baltimore, Maryland, US
12Win6–1 Travis BrownPTS6Dec 17, 1894Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
11ND5–1 Bud YoungND4Nov 27, 1894Canton Academy, Baltimore, Maryland, US
10ND5–1 Paul JohnsonND3 Nov 12, 1894Grand Army Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, USGans was fouled and could not continue. Ruled a no decision
9Win5–1 JacksonTKO3 Jul 10, 1894Kernan's Theatre, Washington, D.C., US
8Loss4–1 Paul JohnsonPTS5Jun 27, 1894Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, USFor vacant Maryland colored lightweight title
7Win4–0 Gustav WilkiePTS4Jun 26, 1894Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
6ND3–0 Robert CookND?May 21, 1894M F Conklin's Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
5Win3–0 Harry BrianPTS?Apr 25, 1894Allerino Gannic Casino, Baltimore, Maryland, US
4ND2–0 Dave HornND3 Apr 19, 1894Beach's Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
3Win2–0 William JonesKO4 Feb 12, 1894Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
2Win1–0 William JonesRTD6 Nov 27, 1893Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
10–0 Buck MyersND?Oct 23, 1893Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US