Boxing
b. Nov. 25, 1874, Baltimore, MD
d. Aug. 16, 1910
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A very clever fighter who was known as the "Old Master," Gans worked in a Baltimore fish market before becoming a professional boxer in 1891. He was undefeated in his first 30 fights, winning 16 by knockout. His first loss was a 15-round decision to Dal Hawkins in 1896.
Gans fought Frank Erne for the lightweight title on March 21, 1900, but threw in the towel after the 12th round because of an injury. On May 12, 1902, at Fort Erie, he knocked out Erne in the first round to become the first black lightweight champion.
His championship bout against Battling Nelson at Goldfield, Nevada, on September 3, 1906, was the first fight promoted by Tex Rickard. Gans won on a foul in the 42nd round. He lost the title when Nelson knocked him out in the 17th round at San Francisco on July 4, 1908. Gans was knocked out by Nelson in a rematch on September 9. His next fight, a no-decision against Jabez White in 1909, was his last. Gans died of tuberculosis a little more than a year later.
He won 120 of his 156 fights, 55 of them by knockout, and lost only 8, 5 by knockout. He also fought 10 draws and 18 no-decisions.
International Boxing Hall of Fame
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