Joe Gans | |
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![]() Gans in 1899 | |
Born | Joseph Gant November 25, 1874 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
Died | August 10, 1910 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. | (aged 35)
Nationality | American |
Other names | Old Master |
Statistics | |
Weight(s) | Lightweight |
Height | 5 ft 6+1⁄2 in (1.69 m) |
Reach | 71 in (180 cm) |
Stance | Orthodox |
Boxing record | |
Total fights | 197 |
Wins | 157 |
Wins by KO | 100 |
Losses | 12 |
Draws | 22 |
No contests | 6 |
Joe Gans (born Joseph Gant; November 25, 1874 – August 10, 1910) 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.[1] He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.