THIS MONTH IN BOXING HISTORY: JANUARY
The greatest fighter ever to have graced the ring -JOE LOUIS
On January 1, 1907, the magnificent world lightweight champion Joe Gans knocked his Canadian challenger, Kid Herman, unconscious in the 8th round with a brutal straight right hand to the jaw. The fight took place in Tonopah, Nevada.
On January 1, 1914, future world heavyweight champion “Jersey” Joe Walcott is born Arnold Raymond Cream in Merchantville, New Jersey.
On January 1, 1935, at the El Toreo de Cuatra Caminos in Mexico City, Mexico, featherweight Alberto “Baby” Arizmendi scored a unanimous 12 round decision over current featherweight champion Henry Armstrong. However, this was not a title fight as both fighters were over the featherweight limit. It was Arizmendi’s second consecutive decision victory over Armstrong within two months.
On January 2, 1870, boxing first superstar promoter, George “Tex” Rickard is born in Kansas City, Missouri.
On January 3, 1916, Harry Wills defeats Sam Langford in 20 rounds on points in their fourth match. It was held at the Tulane Athletic Club in New Orleans. The referee was former champion Tommy Burns. Wills defends his World 'colored' heavyweight title claim. "...At the end referee Tommy Burns caught Langford's hand and said to him, "Sam, this is the hardest thing I ever had to do in my life. I always admired you and never thought to see you beaten, but I have to give the decision against you." Calgary Herald
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