Sam Langford

Summary

Samuel Edgar Langford (March 4, 1886 – January 12, 1956)[3] was a Black Canadian boxing standout of the early part of the 20th century. Called the "Greatest Fighter Nobody Knows", by ESPN,[4] Langford is considered by many boxing historians to be one of the greatest fighters of all time.[5] Originally from Weymouth Falls, a small community in Nova Scotia, he was known as "the Boston Bonecrusher", "the Boston Terror", and his most famous nickname, "the Boston Tar Baby". Langford stood 5 ft 6+12 in (1.69 m) and weighed 185 lb (84 kg) in his prime. He fought from lightweight to heavyweight and defeated many world champions and legends of the time in each weight class. Considered a devastating puncher even at heavyweight, Langford was rated No. 2 by The Ring on their list of "100 greatest punchers of all time". One boxing historian described Langford as "experienced as a heavyweight James Toney with the punching power of Mike Tyson".

Sam Langford
Portrait of Sam Langford, "The Boston Tar Baby", Canadian boxer and Australian heavyweight champion, photograph 1913
Born
Samuel Edgar Langford

c. 1885[2]
DiedJanuary 12, 1956
Other namesBoston Tar Baby
Boston Terror
Boston Bonecrusher
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 6+12 in (1.69 m)
Reach74 in (188 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights314;[1] with the inclusion of newspaper decisions
Wins210
Wins by KO126
Losses43
Draws53
No contests8

He was denied a shot at many World Championships, due to the colour bar and by the refusal of Jack Johnson, the first African-American World Heavyweight Champion, to fight him in a rematch. Langford was the World Colored Heavyweight Champion, a title vacated by Johnson after he won the World Championship, a record five times. Alongside this, Langford also defeated the reigning Lightweight Champion Joe Gans, the first African-American World Champion in boxing history and widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time, in a non-title bout. Many boxing aficionados consider Langford to be the greatest boxer not to have won a world title. On August 13, 2020, the WBC granted Langford to be an honorary world champion. BoxRec ranks him as the 22nd greatest Canadian boxer of all time.[6]

Early life edit

Born in Nova Scotia, his grandfather was a former slave from the USA who helped settle Weymouth Falls.[7] Langford left home as a youth to escape an abusive father.[7]

He made his way to Boston where he eventually found work as a janitor in a boxing gymnasium at the Lenox Athletic Club. Not long after he started working he was sparring and improving his own boxing skills. He won the amateur featherweight championship of Boston at age 15.[8]

Professional career edit

 
Langford in 1910

Langford was a boxer who fought greats from the lightweight division right up to the heavyweights, beating many champions in the process. However, he was never able to secure a world title for himself. Despite the fact, Langford never received a chance to fight for Jack Johnson's heavyweight title, Ring magazine founder Nat Fleischer rated Langford as one of the ten best heavyweights of all time. Renowned champion Jack Dempsey claimed that as a young boxer in 1916 he refused a fight with Langford. According to Dempsey: "I think Sam Langford was the greatest fighter we ever had."[9]

Significant fights edit

 
Jack Johnson, the first African American, world heavyweight champion, defeated Langford but refused to offer him a rematch, circa 1910–1915

Langford's most memorable fights were his numerous encounters against fellow black boxers Sam McVey, Battling Jim Johnson, Joe Jeanette and Harry Wills, who all experienced similar barriers in their fighting careers.

Langford defeated World Lightweight Champion Joe Gans on December 8, 1903, via a 15-round decision. Gans' title was not on the line, however. The two would later become good friends. Langford considered Gans the pound-for-pound greatest fighter of all time.

He fought Jack Blackburn, trainer of the legendary Joe Louis, six times. The first three fights were draws, the fourth a decision win for Langford, the fifth another draw and the sixth a no contest.

Although Langford is often credited as the greatest fighter to never challenge for a world title, he fought World Welterweight Champion Barbados Joe Walcott on September 5, 1904, for his title. The fight resulted in a draw via decision, thus Walcott retained his title. However, reports of the fight say Langford clearly outpointed the champion. Langford kept Walcott at a distance with his longer reach and used his footwork to evade all of Walcott's attacks. Langford landed lefts and rights to the jaw so effectively, Walcott was bleeding by round two and continued bleeding more after every round. Walcott was brought on one knee in the third round and the fight ended with hardly a scratch on Langford.

In 1912, Langford was one of the contenders for the World Colored Heavyweight Championship fought at various venues across Australia. Sam McVey his opponent, McVey ranked alongside Jack Johnson, Joe Jeanette, Sam Langford, and Harry Wills as the top black heavyweights of their generation. Prior to his win, Langford stayed at the Nedlands Park Hotel where he:

gave exhibitions of punching the ball, throwing the medicine bag sparring, etc. His work was a revelation. Langford allowed his sparring partners to hit him just when and where they pleased. After witnessing his exhibition of wonderful foot and head work one could easily understand how the big-little fellow came to lay low the best boxers in the world. Langford is as fast on his feet and as graceful as a ballet dancer. He carries a punch like unto that of a kick of a mule, and is practically impervious to punishment. Dick Cullen hit him some terrific punches on the chin last Wednesday – punches that would have put the ordinary boxer away for the full count, but the Tar Baby only grinned and shoved out his head for more. He is truly a remarkable fighter.[10]

Langford fought various contenders throughout his career. He fought welterweight Young Peter Jackson six times, winning the first two by decision, the third was a draw via points, losing the fourth by technical knockout and winning the fifth and sixth bouts again by decision. Their bout on November 12, 1907, at the Pacific Athletic Club in Los Angeles was billed as being for the World Colored Middleweight Championship (158  lbs.). Langford won the title by besting Jackson on points in the 20-round bout.

 
Langford vs. Joe Jeanette, boxing match, at Luna Park, in Paris, France, in 1913

Langford fought heavyweight Joe Jeanette fourteen times, losing the first by eighth-round retirement, winning second by decision, third and fourth were a draw via points, winning the fifth through eighth by decision, ninth was a draw via points, winning the tenth on the decision, eleventh was a draw via points, lost the twelfth by decision and winning the thirteenth by seventh-round knock out and fourteenth by decision (Total: 8 wins (1 KO), 2 losses (1 RT and 1 PTS) and 4 draws).

He fought future World Heavyweight Champion Jack Johnson on April 26, 1906, losing by a fifteenth-round decision. Johnson was 29 pounds heavier than Langford. Langford took severe punishment and was knocked down 3 times; however, he lasted the 15 round distance.[11] After winning their first match, Johnson repeatedly refused rematches against Langford, who was considered by some to be the most dangerous challenger for Johnson's crown, although Johnson cited Langford's inability to meet his $30,000 appearance fee.

Langford fought heavyweight Fireman Jim Flynn six times, winning the first by first-round knockout, losing the second by decision, winning the third by eighth-round knockout, winning the fourth by decision, winning the fifth by third-round knockout, and winning the sixth by decision.

Winner of the World Colored Middleweight Championship in 1907 when he beat Young Peter Jackson, he fought World Middleweight Champion Stanley Ketchel on April 27, 1910, in a six-round non-title fight, a no-decision draw.[12] A longer rematch bout was rumoured but never happened due to Ketchell's murder six months later.[13]

Langford fought heavyweight Battling Jim Johnson twelve times, winning the first three by decision, fourth and fifth were a draw via points, winning the sixth and seventh on points, eighth by twelfth-round knockout, ninth through eleventh by points, and drawing in the twelfth via points (Total: 9 wins (1 KO), 0 losses and 3 draws). Johnson was always heavier than Langford by 26–40 pounds.

Langford fought heavyweight Sam McVea fifteen times, drawing in the first via points, losing the second by decision, winning the third and fourth by decision, winning the fifth by technical knockout (McVea claimed a foul; this was not allowed and he refused to continue), winning the sixth by thirteenth-round knockout, seventh was a draw via points, losing the eighth by decision, ninth through eleventh were draws via points, winning the twelfth by decision, thirteenth and fourteenth were draws via decision and winning the fifteenth by decision (Total: 6 wins (2 KO), 2 losses (0 KO) and 7 draws). Langford was 37 years old in the final bout.

Langford defeated former World Light Heavyweight Champion Philadelphia Jack O'Brien on August 15, 1911, by fifth-round technical knockout. Langford outweighed O'Brien by ten pounds. The fight was stopped after a hard left hook put O'Brien on the canvas. O'Brien had to be helped to his corner. The poetic O'Brien later said of Langford, "When he appeared upon the scene of combat, you knew you were cooked."

Langford fought heavyweight Gunboat Smith twice, losing the first by decision (many ring siders were surprised) and winning the second by third-round knockout.

Langford fought heavyweight Harry Wills seventeen times. Langford was 31 in the first bout and continued to suffer from old age and failing eyesight more and more each fight. The first was a draw via points, the second a win via fourteenth-round knockout, the third and fourth losses via decision, the fifth a win via nineteenth-round knockout, the sixth through ninth losses via decision, the tenth a draw via points, the eleventh a loss via sixth-round knockout and the twelfth by seventh-round technical knockout, the thirteenth through seventeenth by decision (Total: 2 wins (2 KO), 14 losses (2 KO) and 2 draws).

Former World Heavyweight Champion Tommy Burns was a referee in the third fight. At the end, he caught Langford's hand and said to him, "Sam, this is the hardest 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."

World Welterweight title fight edit

Although Langford is often credited as the greatest fighter to never challenge for a world title, he fought World Welterweight Champion Barbados Joe Walcott, a black man, on September 5, 1904, at Lake Massabesic Coliseum in Manchester, New Hampshire for his title. Both fighters weighed in at 142 lbs.

The fight resulted in a draw via decision, thus Walcott retained his title. However, reports of the fight say Langford clearly outpointed the champion. Langford kept Walcott at a distance with his longer reach and used his footwork to evade all of Walcott's attacks. Langford landed lefts and rights to the jaw so effectively, Walcott was bleeding by round two and continued bleeding more after every round. Walcott was brought on one knee in the third round and the fight ended with hardly a scratch on Langford.

The Lowell Sun newspaper reported:

"Joe Walcott met his match in a 15-round bout yesterday afternoon in the Massabasic coliseum before a crowd of 1200. His opponent was Sam Langford, who clearly outpointed the champion, and the latter's aggressiveness in carrying the fight to Langford was all that saved him from making a decision that would have given him the short end of the purse. Langford took advantage of his longer reach and repeatedly played a tattoo on Walcott's face, and his cleverness on his feet carried him away from (unreadable) a score or more times when Walcott endeavored by sheer brute force to deliver a knockout blow. While Walcott was the aggressor, Langford met his attacks by rights and lefts to the jaw and mouth so effectively as to draw blood in the second round and he kept Walcott bleeding in every round thereafter. In the third round, Langford brought the champion to one knee by a straight-away jolt to the jaw, and he went through the entire fifteen rounds without a perceptible scratch on himself. In the opening round honors were even, but thereafter until the seventh round Langford had all the better of the argument."

World Colored Heavyweight Championship edit

Sam Langford won the World Colored Heavyweight Championship a record five times between 1910 and 1918. Jack Johnson had reigned as the World Colored Heavyweight Champion from 1903 to 1908, when he relinquished the title after winning the World Heavyweight Championship. Joe Jeanette and Sam McVey fought in Paris in February 1909 to fill the vacant title, with McVey the victor. Jeanette took the title away from McVey two months later.

Subsequently, Langford claimed the title during Jeanette's reign after Johnson refused to defend the World Heavyweight Championship against him. For a year there were two dueling claimants to the world coloured heavyweight crown, Jeanette, the "official" champ, and Langford, the pretender, the man whom Jack Johnson "ducked". On September 6, 1910, in Boston, Massachusetts, Langford became the undisputed coloured champ by winning a 15-round bout with Jeanette on points. Still, Jack Johnson refused to give him a title shot.

Failure to secure title shot edit

Langford had lost to Jack Johnson the only time they had fought, on April 26, 1906, in a fifteen-round decision. Johnson was 29  lbs. heavier than Langford, and though he knocked down Langford in the sixth round, many spectators felt Langford had won the bout, even though Sam was on the verge of going down several times only for Johnson to hold him up and prevent a knockdown. In truth, Johnson actually toyed with him, carrying on conversations with ringsiders all through the fight. After winning their first match, Johnson repeatedly refused rematches against Langford, who was considered by some to be the most dangerous challenger for Johnson's crown. Another explanation for this Johnson's refusal is that he knew that a fight between two black fighters would not generate nearly as much revenue as a fight between him and a white man.

Battling Jim Johnson, the man Sam fought twelve times, beating Johnson nine times and never losing once, would be the one who got the title shot against Johnson that Langford had rightly believed his.

World Heavyweight Championship edit

Ironically, the color bar that had marred the world heavyweight title by blackballing boxers of color remained in force even under Jack Johnson. Once he was the World's Heavyweight Champion, Johnson did not fight a black opponent for the first five years of his reign. In addition to Langford, he denied matches to black heavyweights Joe Jeanette and to the young Harry Wills (who was Colored Heavyweight Champion during the last year of Johnson's reign as World Heavyweight Champion).

Blacks were not given a shot at the title allegedly because Johnson felt that he could make more money fighting white boxers. In August 1913, as Johnson neared the end of his troubled reign as World Heavyweight Champion, there were rumours that he had agreed to fight Langford in Paris for the title, but it came to naught. Johnson claimed that Langford was unable to raise $30,000 (equivalent to approximately $876,478 in today's funds[14]) for his guarantee.

Because black boxers with the exception of Johnson had been barred from fighting for the heavyweight championship because of racism, Johnson's refusal to fight African-Americans offended the African-American community, since the opportunity to fight top white boxers was rare. Jeanette criticized Johnson, saying, "Jack forgot about his old friends after he became champion and drew the color line against his own people."[15]

When Johnson finally did agree to take on a black opponent in late 1913, it was not Sam Langford, the current Colored Heavyweight Champion, that he gave the title shot to. Instead, Johnson chose Battling Jim Johnson, a mediocrity who, in 1910, had lost to Langford and had a draw and loss via knockout to Sam McVey, another former Colored Champion. Battling Jim fought fellow former Colored Champion Joe Jeanette four times between July 19, 1912, and January 21, 1912, and lost all four fights. The only fighter of note he did beat in that period was future Colored Champion Big Bill Tate, whom he knocked out in the second round of a scheduled 10-round bout. It was Tate's third pro fight.

 
Sam Langford in 1922

The fight, scheduled for 10 rounds, was held on December 19, 1913, in Paris. It was the first time in history that two blacks had fought for the World Heavyweight Championship. While the Johnson v. Johnson fight had been billed as a World Heavyweight title match, in many ways, it resembled an exhibition. A sportswriter from the Indianapolis Star reported that the fight crowd became unruly when it was apparent that neither boxer was putting up a fight."[16] The champ barely engaged Battling Jim, and it turned out he had broken his arm during the third round, a distinct disadvantage that Battling Jim failed to capitalize on. The fight was a draw, and Jack Johnson kept his championship.

Battling Jim's next fight, four months later, also was a title match. On March 27, 1914, in New York City, Sam Langford won a newspaper decision in a ten-rounder with Johnson. According to the New York Times, the coloured champ "won by a wide margin" because Johnson "failed to show anything remotely resembling championship ability."

Battling Jim fought Langford ten more times (including two more coloured title matches). Two of the fights were draws, including their last fight on September 22, 1918, which was also Battling Jim's last pro bout. He faced Joe Jeanette five more times and did not win a single contest. Two of their fights were draws and their last fight on August 20, 1918, Battling Jim's penultimate pro fight, was a no-decision.

Of the other former and future Colored Heavyweight Champions that Battling Jim battled, he won only one fight, against Harry Wills, because he broke his wrist blocking a punch in a non-title match and Johnson won by a technical knockout. Battling Jim lost his other two fights with Wills and lost all of the five fights he had with ex-champ Sam McVey in the post-Jack Johnson title shot period.

Battling Jim, who died during Spanish influenza epidemic of 1918, ended with a career record of 30 wins against 31 losses and six draws[17] when his newspaper decisions are factored in. Looking at his dismal performance with the top black heavyweights of his era and his inability to best a one-armed Jack Johnson, Battling Jim Johnson cannot be considered a top contender of his era or a worthy opponent when Jack awarded him the sole title shot given to a black heavyweight from 1908 to 1937. Fittingly, he was scheduled to fight Langford before he died.

In 1915, Jack Johnson lost his title to Jess Willard, the last in a long line of Great White Hopes. Because of the animosity he had generated combined with the virulent racism of the period, it would be 22 years before another African American, Joe Louis, was given a shot at the Heavyweight title.

When it was in his power to give an African American a title shot, Jack Johnson refused to grant that privilege to Sam Langford, the fighter who after former champ Jim Jeffries (a man Langford said he would not face when Jeff was in the prime of his career), had to be considered the No. 1 contender in the heavyweight division. Johnson beat Jeffries but ducked Langford, likely as he feared losing his title. Many people consider the failure of Langford to secure a shot at the Heavyweight title one of the greatest injustices of American sports.

Later career edit

Langford fought heavyweight Fred Fulton twice, losing the first by seventh-round technical knockout and the second by a four-round decision. Langford was 34 and 35 in each respective fight. Langford was much heavier, yet much shorter than Fulton.

On June 5, 1922, Langford knocked out Tiger Flowers in only the second round. Langford was mostly blind and Flowers would soon afterwards win the World Middleweight Championship.

In 1923, Sam Langford fought and won Boxing's last "fight to the finish" for the Mexican Heavyweight title.

His last fight was in 1926, when his failing eyesight finally forced him to retire. Langford was 43 years old and completely blind.

Films exist of Langford fighting Fireman Jim Flynn and Bill Lang.

One story characterizing his career involved Langford in a bout where he had been ordered not to throw any knockout punches until after the 7th round. So walking out for the 8th round, after 21 minutes of patting away, Langford touched gloves with his opponent. "What's the matter, Sam, it ain't the last round!" said his mystified opponent. "Tis for you son," said Langford, who promptly knocked his opponent out. Another story involves Langford at a fight where just before it began he apologized to the audience and said he would have to make it a quick fight as he had a train to catch very soon. He then knocked out his opponent within the first round, apologized to the audience once again, and left, just in time to catch his train.

Life after boxing edit

Langford eventually went completely blind and ended up penniless, living in Harlem, New York City. In 1944, a newspaper column was published about his plight after which close to $10,000.00 was donated by fans to help Langford. The column was titled "A Dark Man Laughs" and it was written by Al Laney of the New York Herald Tribune. Eventually, funding was obtained to pay for successful eye surgery. Langford was enshrined in the Ring Boxing Hall of Fame and Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 1955. He died a year later in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he had been living in a private nursing home.

In 1999, Langford was voted Nova Scotia's top male athlete of the 20th century.[18]

In 2013, the jazz trio Tarbaby released a CD entitled "Ballad of Sam Langford".

In 2018 Langford was ranked fifth in a selection of the greatest 15 athletes in Nova Scotia's history.[19]

Professional boxing record edit

All information in this section is derived from BoxRec,[1] unless otherwise stated.

Official record edit

314 fights 178 wins 30 losses
By knockout 126 8
By decision 49 21
By disqualification 3 1
Draws 38
No contests 8
Newspaper decisions/draws 60

All newspaper decisions are officially regarded as “no decision” bouts and are not counted in the win/loss/draw column.

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Age Location Notes
314 Loss 178–30–38 (68) Brad Simmons TKO 1 (10) Aug 2, 1925 39 years, 151 days Drumright, Oklahoma, US Langford retired completely blind
313 Win 178–29–38 (68) Young Jack Johnson KO 2 (?) Jul 1, 1925 39 years, 119 days Shawnee, Oklahoma, US
312 Loss 177–29–38 (68) Battling Gahee PTS 8 Sep 25, 1925 N/A Location unknown Exact date unknown
311 Win 177–28–38 (68) Frolin Gonzales PTS 10 Apr 5, 1925 39 years, 32 days Mexico Reported but not confirmed
310 Draw 176–28–38 (68) Tim Sullivan PTS 6 Mar 1, 1925 N/A Location unknown Exact date unknown
309 Draw 176–28–37 (68) Tim Sullivan PTS 6 Jan 1, 1925 N/A Location unknown Exact date unknown
308 Win 176–28–36 (68) Smiling Kid Nolan KO 2 (?) Sep 10, 1924 38 years, 190 days Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Reported but not confirmed
307 Win 175–28–36 (68) Sydney Grant KO 4 (?) Jul 7, 1924 38 years, 125 days Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Reported but not confirmed
306 Win 174–28–36 (68) Eddie Tremblay KO 3 (4) May 4, 1924 38 years, 61 days Venice, California, US Reported but not confirmed
305 Loss 173–28–36 (68) Eddie Tremblay PTS 4 Apr 23, 1924 38 years, 50 days Venice, California, US
304 Win 173–27–36 (68) Sammy Olson PTS 4 Apr 18, 1924 38 years, 45 days Bakersfield Stadium, Bakersfield, California, US
303 ND 172–27–36 (68) Jim Jam Barry ND 4 Apr 16, 1924 38 years, 43 days San Fernando Stadium, San Fernando, California, US Bout went four rounds. San Fernando Sun did not give result of decision though
302 Win 172–27–36 (67) Jim Jam Barry PTS 4 Apr 4, 1924 38 years, 31 days Huntington Beach, California, US
301 Win 171–27–36 (67) Smiling Kid Nolan KO 5 (?) Mar 6, 1924 38 years, 2 days Venice, California, US Reported but not confirmed
300 Win 170–27–36 (67) Tom Riley KO 2 (?) Jan 20, 1924 37 years, 322 days Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico
299 Win 169–27–36 (67) Fireman Jim Flynn PTS 8 Jan 6, 1924 37 years, 308 days Ford's Arena, Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico
298 Loss 168–27–36 (67) Sonny Goodrich PTS 10 Dec 18, 1923 37 years, 289 days Community House, San Antonio, Texas, US For Mexico heavyweight title
297 Win 168–26–36 (67) Roscoe Hall KO 1 (?) Dec 11, 1923 37 years, 282 days Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Reported but not confirmed
296 Win 167–26–36 (67) Andrés Balsa TKO 8 (15) Nov 10, 1923 37 years, 251 days Teatro Independencia, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
295 Win 166–26–36 (67) Fireman Jim Flynn KO 3 (15) Oct 19, 1923 37 years, 229 days Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
294 Loss 165–26–36 (67) Bearcat Wright KO 9 (?) Aug 15, 1923 37 years, 164 days Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
293 Win 165–25–36 (67) Fireman Jim Flynn PTS 10 Aug 2, 1923 37 years, 151 days Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
292 Loss 164–25–36 (67) Clem Johnson TKO 13 (15), 1:25 Jul 27, 1923 37 years, 145 days Plaza de Toros, Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico Lost Mexico heavyweight title
291 Win 164–24–36 (67) Jim Tracey KO 4 (20) Jul 15, 1923 37 years, 133 days Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Retained Mexico heavyweight title
290 Win 163–24–36 (67) Jack Voight KO 5 (15) May 19, 1923 37 years, 76 days El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Retained Mexico heavyweight title
289 Win 162–24–36 (67) Art Surans KO 3 (?) May 16, 1923 37 years, 73 days Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Retained Mexico heavyweight title
288 Win 161–24–36 (67) Andrés Balsa KO 3 May 6, 1923 37 years, 63 days Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Scheduled as a "finish fight"
287 Win 160–24–36 (67) Andrés Balsa PTS 10 Apr 28, 1923 37 years, 55 days Arena Cine Imperio, Torreon, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico
286 Win 159–24–36 (67) Chihuahua Kid Brown PTS 15 Apr 15, 1923 37 years, 42 days Plaza de Toros, Torreon, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico
285 Win 158–24–36 (67) Andrés Balsa TKO 6 (15) Apr 8, 1923 37 years, 35 days Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Retained Mexico heavyweight title
284 Win 157–24–36 (67) Jack Savage KO 1 (?) Mar 31, 1923 37 years, 27 days Chapultepec Bull Ring, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Won Mexico heavyweight title
283 Win 156–24–36 (67) Chihuahua Kid Brown KO 1 (10) Mar 17, 1923 37 years, 13 days Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
282 Win 155–24–36 (67) Jim Tracey KO 6 (?) Mar 2, 1923 36 years, 363 days Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
281 Win 154–24–36 (67) Tom McCarty KO 2 (?) Feb 15, 1923 36 years, 348 days Albuquerque, New Mexico, US
280 Win 153–24–36 (67) Sonny Goodrich TKO 7 (12) Dec 25, 1922 36 years, 296 days Market House Arena, San Antonio, Texas, US
279 Win 152–24–36 (67) Roscoe Hall KO 3 (?) Dec 24, 1922 36 years, 295 days Mexico Reported but not confirmed
278 Win 151–24–36 (67) Jack Taylor KO 8 (?) Dec 12, 1922 36 years, 283 days Mexico
277 Draw 150–24–36 (67) Jim Jam Barry PTS 10 Nov 10, 1922 36 years, 251 days Douglas, Arizona, US
276 Draw 150–24–35 (67) Jack Taylor PTS 15 Nov 5, 1922 36 years, 246 days Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico
275 Win 150–24–34 (67) Jack Taylor PTS 15 Oct 20, 1922 36 years, 230 days Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico
274 Win 149–24–34 (67) Cyclone Smith KO 2 (?) Oct 6, 1922 36 years, 216 days El Paso, Texas, US
273 Win 148–24–34 (67) Battling Owens KO 7 (15) Sep 22, 1922 36 years, 202 days Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico
272 Draw 147–24–34 (67) Jack Taylor NWS 10 Aug 21, 1922 36 years, 170 days Mizzou Park, Sioux City, Iowa, US
271 Draw 147–24–34 (66) Brad Simmons NWS 10 Aug 11, 1922 36 years, 160 days Wichita, Kansas, US
270 Win 147–24–34 (65) Bill Tate PTS 12 Aug 4, 1922 36 years, 153 days Tulsa, Oklahoma, US
269 Win 146–24–34 (65) Bearcat Wright RTD 5 (12) Jul 17, 1922 36 years, 135 days Tulsa, Oklahoma, US
268 Draw 145–24–34 (65) Bearcat Wright PTS 12 Jun 19, 1922 36 years, 107 days City Auditorium, Galveston, Texas, US
267 Win 145–24–33 (65) Tiger Flowers KO 2 (10) Jun 5, 1922 36 years, 93 days Ponce de Leon Ballpark, Atlanta, Georgia, US
266 Draw 144–24–33 (65) Ted Jamieson PTS 10 May 22, 1922 36 years, 79 days Private club, Chicago, Illinois, US
265 Win 144–24–32 (65) Roscoe Hall KO 4 (8) May 16, 1922 36 years, 73 days Bijou Ring, Nashville, Tennessee, US
264 Win 143–24–32 (65) Roscoe Hall KO 2 (8) Apr 20, 1922 36 years, 47 days Venice A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, US
263 Win 142–24–32 (65) Jack Leslie NWS 10 Apr 15, 1922 36 years, 42 days Indianapolis, Indiana, US
262 Loss 142–24–32 (64) Tut Jackson DQ 5 (12) Apr 6, 1922 36 years, 33 days Triangle Park, Dayton, Ohio, US
261 Loss 142–23–32 (64) Bill Tate PTS 8 Mar 27, 1922 36 years, 23 days Memphis, Tennessee, US
260 Win 142–22–32 (64) Cyclone Smith KO 2 (10) Mar 17, 1922 36 years, 13 days Clyffeside Park, Ashland, Kentucky, US
259 Loss 141–22–32 (64) Harry Wills PTS 10 Jan 17, 1922 35 years, 319 days Arena, Milwaukie, Oregon, US For world colored heavyweight title claim
258 Win 141–21–32 (64) Young Peter Jackson NWS 10 Dec 9, 1921 35 years, 280 days Illinois Theatre, Urbana, Illinois, US
257 Win 141–21–32 (63) Lee Anderson PTS 10 Dec 7, 1921 35 years, 278 days Tucson, Arizona, US
256 Loss 140–21–32 (63) Lee Anderson PTS 10 Nov 24, 1921 35 years, 265 days Capital City Arena, Phoenix, Arizona, US
255 Win 140–20–32 (63) Young Peter Jackson KO 2 (10) Oct 18, 1921 35 years, 228 days The Armouries, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Not to be confused with Young Peter Jackson
254 Loss 139–20–32 (63) Bill Tate NWS 12 Sep 21, 1921 35 years, 201 days Riverside Arena, Covington, Kentucky, US
253 Loss 139–20–32 (62) Lee Anderson NWS 12 Sep 5, 1921 35 years, 185 days Coliseum, Fort Worth, Texas, US
252 Draw 139–20–32 (61) Topeka Jack Johnson PTS 6 Aug 19, 1921 35 years, 168 days State Fairgrounds, Topeka, Kansas, US
251 Win 139–20–31 (61) George Godfrey KO 1 (12) Aug 17, 1921 35 years, 166 days Riverside Arena, Covington, Kentucky, US
250 Win 138–20–31 (61) Lee Anderson PTS 10 Aug 12, 1921 35 years, 161 days Omaha, Nebraska, US
249 Win 137–20–31 (61) Bearcat Wright KO 9 (10) Jul 20, 1921 35 years, 138 days Omaha, Nebraska, US
248 Win 136–20–31 (61) Bill Watkins KO ? Feb 7, 1921 N/A Canada Exact date, location and # of rounds unknown
247 Win 135–20–31 (61) Alfred Johnson KO ? Feb 6, 1921 N/A Canada Exact date, location and # of rounds unknown
246 Draw 134–20–31 (61) Jack Thompson PTS 10 Feb 3, 1921 N/A Canada Exact date unknown
245 Win 134–20–30 (61) Bob Devere TKO 7 (10) Jan 14, 1921 34 years, 316 days Armory, Portland, Oregon, US
244 Draw 133–20–30 (61) Lee Anderson PTS 12 Jan 7, 1921 34 years, 309 days Omaha, Nebraska, US
243 Win 133–20–29 (61) Jim Jam Barry PTS 10 Dec 29, 1920 34 years, 300 days Armory, Portland, Oregon, US
242 Win 132–20–29 (61) Clem Johnson PTS 10 Dec 23, 1920 34 years, 294 days Aberdeen, Washington, US
241 Win 131–20–29 (61) Terry Kellar PTS 6 Dec 9, 1920 34 years, 280 days Aberdeen, Washington, US
240 Win 130–20–29 (61) Tiny Jim Herman TKO 7 (10) Dec 2, 1920 34 years, 273 days Heilig Theater, Portland, Oregon, US
239 Win 129–20–29 (61) George Godfrey KO 2 (10) Nov 17, 1920 34 years, 258 days Hot Springs, Arkansas, US
238 Win 128–20–29 (61) Jack Thompson PTS 8 Nov 15, 1920 34 years, 256 days Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, US
237 Loss 127–20–29 (61) Lee Anderson PTS 10 Oct 20, 1920 34 years, 230 days Heilig Theater, Portland, Oregon, US
236 Win 127–19–29 (61) Frank Farmer PTS 4 Oct 13, 1920 34 years, 223 days Arena, Seattle, Washington, US
235 Win 126–19–29 (61) Tiny Jim Herman KO 7 (10) Oct 6, 1920 34 years, 216 days Heilig Theater, Portland, Oregon, US
234 Loss 125–19–29 (61) Bill Tate NWS 6 Sep 6, 1920 34 years, 186 days Floyd Fitzsimmons Arena, Benton Harbor, Michigan, US
233 Win 125–19–29 (60) Bearcat Wright PTS 10 Aug 30, 1920 34 years, 179 days Walthill, Nebraska, US
232 Win 124–19–29 (60) Sam McVea NWS 10 Aug 14, 1920 34 years, 163 days East Chicago, Indiana, US
231 Win 124–19–29 (59) Pinky Lewis KO 7 (8), 1:30 Jul 26, 1920 34 years, 144 days Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, US
230 Win 123–19–29 (59) Jack Mitchell KO 3 (10) Jul 2, 1920 34 years, 120 days Springfield, Missouri, US
229 Win 122–19–29 (59) Rough House Ware KO 9 (15) Jun 7, 1920 34 years, 95 days Tulane Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, US
228 Win 121–19–29 (59) Jeff Clark PTS 15 May 31, 1920 34 years, 88 days Columbus, Ohio, US
227 Win 120–19–29 (59) Marty Cutler TKO 3 (10) May 18, 1920 34 years, 75 days Armouries, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
226 Draw 119–19–29 (59) George Godfrey PTS 10 May 1, 1920 N/A Canada Exact date unknown
225 Loss 119–19–28 (59) Harry Wills PTS 15 Apr 23, 1920 34 years, 50 days Detroit, Michigan, US For world colored heavyweight title
224 Win 119–18–28 (59) Silas Green KO 3 (10) Apr 9, 1920 34 years, 36 days Detroit, Michigan, US
223 Win 118–18–28 (59) Jack Thompson PTS 15 Apr 5, 1920 34 years, 32 days Convention Hall, Muskogee, Oklahoma, US
222 Win 117–18–28 (59) Jamaica Kid TKO 7 (12) Mar 29, 1920 34 years, 25 days Columbus, Ohio, US
221 Win 116–18–28 (59) Battling Gahee KO 2 (8) Feb 23, 1920 33 years, 356 days Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, US
220 Draw 115–18–28 (59) Jeff Clark NWS 10 Feb 16, 1920 33 years, 349 days K of C Hall, Terre Haute, Indiana, US
219 Win 115–18–28 (58) Jeff Clark NWS 10 Jan 16, 1920 33 years, 318 days Kalamazoo, Michigan, US
218 Win 115–18–28 (57) Dave McBride KO 1 (?), 1:00 Dec 3, 1919 33 years, 274 days Liberty Theater, Camp Grant, Illinois, US
217 NC 114–18–28 (57) Jack Thompson NC 6 (10) Nov 24, 1919 33 years, 265 days Shrine Auditorium, Duluth, Minnesota, US Both fighters were fined $500 for stalling
216 Win 114–18–28 (56) Mexican Jim Johnson KO 9 (15) Nov 17, 1919 33 years, 258 days Auditorium, Sioux City, Iowa, US
215 Loss 113–18–28 (56) Harry Wills PTS 15 Nov 5, 1919 33 years, 246 days Convention Hall, Tulsa, Oklahoma, US For world colored heavyweight title
214 Draw 113–17–28 (56) Jack Thompson PTS 15 Oct 21, 1919 33 years, 231 days Tulsa, Oklahoma, US bout was advertised for the colored heavyweight championship
213 Loss 113–17–27 (56) Harry Wills NWS 10 Sep 30, 1919 33 years, 210 days Arena, Syracuse, New York, US
212 Win 113–17–27 (55) Rough House Wilson KO 4 (10) Sep 18, 1919 33 years, 198 days Battle Creek, Michigan, US
211 Win 112–17–27 (55) Bill Tate NWS 10 Aug 23, 1919 33 years, 172 days Grand Rapids, Michigan, US
210 Draw 112–17–27 (54) Jack Thompson PTS 15 Aug 4, 1919 33 years, 153 days Tulsa, Oklahoma, US
209 Loss 112–17–26 (54) Harry Wills NWS 8 Jul 4, 1919 33 years, 122 days Sportsman's Park, Saint Louis, Missouri, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
208 Win 112–17–26 (53) Bill Tate DQ 5 (10) Jun 19, 1919 33 years, 107 days Nicollet Park, Minneapolis, Minnesota, US Tate was disqualified for holding
207 Win 111–17–26 (53) Billy Hooper KO 4 (10) Apr 30, 1919 33 years, 57 days Springer Opera House, Columbus, Georgia, US
206 Loss 110–17–26 (53) Willie Meehan PTS 4 Mar 4, 1919 33 years, 0 days Coliseum, San Francisco, California, US
205 Loss 110–16–26 (53) Fred Fulton PTS 4 Dec 27, 1918 32 years, 298 days Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California, US
204 Win 110–15–26 (53) Jeff Clark PTS 8 Dec 16, 1918 32 years, 287 days Nashville, Tennessee, US
203 Win 109–15–26 (53) Big Boy Butler KO 5 (10) Dec 12, 1918 32 years, 283 days Empire Theatre, Rock Island, Illinois, US
202 Loss 108–15–26 (53) Jeff Clark NWS 6 Nov 28, 1918 32 years, 269 days Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
201 Draw 108–15–26 (52) Jeff Clark PTS 10 Nov 15, 1918 32 years, 256 days Atlanta, Georgia, US
200 Draw 108–15–25 (52) Jeff Clark PTS 12 Oct 31, 1918 32 years, 241 days Crescent Rink, Lowell, Massachusetts, US
199 Win 108–15–24 (52) Battling Jim Johnson NWS 8 Aug 22, 1918 32 years, 171 days Lafayette A.C., Saint Louis, Missouri, US
198 Win 108–15–24 (51) Rough House Ware KO 9 (15) Aug 19, 1918 32 years, 168 days Tulsa, Oklahoma, US
197 Win 107–15–24 (51) Jack Thompson NWS 6 Aug 8, 1918 32 years, 157 days Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
196 Win 107–15–24 (50) Battling Jim Johnson NWS 8 Aug 5, 1918 32 years, 154 days Atlantic City S.C., Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
195 Win 107–15–24 (49) Battling Jim Johnson PTS 10 Jun 19, 1918 32 years, 107 days Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, US
194 Loss 106–15–24 (49) Harry Wills TKO 8 (20) May 19, 1918 32 years, 76 days Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama For world colored heavyweight title
193 Loss 106–14–24 (49) Harry Wills KO 6 (20) Apr 14, 1918 32 years, 41 days Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama Lost world colored heavyweight title
192 Win 106–13–24 (49) Kid Norfolk KO 2 (20) Dec 17, 1917 31 years, 288 days Stockyards Stadium, Denver, Colorado, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
191 Draw 105–13–24 (49) Harry Wills NWS 12 Nov 12, 1917 31 years, 253 days Coliseum, Toledo, Ohio, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
190 Loss 105–13–24 (48) Harry Wills NWS 10 Sep 20, 1917 31 years, 200 days Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
189 Win 105–13–24 (47) Andy Johnson KO 2 (15) Sep 17, 1917 31 years, 197 days Maryland A.C., Ardmore, Maryland, US
188 Win 104–13–24 (47) Joe Jennette NWS 12 Sep 14, 1917 31 years, 194 days Coliseum, Toledo, Ohio, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
187 Win 104–13–24 (46) Andre Anderson TKO 2 (?) Aug 17, 1917 31 years, 166 days Urban Liberty Park, Buffalo, New York, US
186 Loss 103–13–24 (46) Fred Fulton TKO 7 (12) Jun 19, 1917 31 years, 100 days Armory A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US
185 Loss 103–12–24 (46) Harry Wills NWS 6 May 11, 1917 31 years, 68 days Cambria A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
184 Win 103–12–24 (45) Bill Tate KO 5 (12) May 1, 1917 31 years, 58 days Future City A.C., Saint Louis, Missouri, US Won world colored heavyweight title
183 Win 102–12–24 (45) Bob Devere NWS 10 Apr 20, 1917 31 years, 47 days Harlem S.C., New York City, New York, US
182 Win 102–12–24 (44) Jack Thompson NWS 10 Apr 10, 1917 31 years, 37 days Broadway S.C., New York City, New York, US
181 Loss 102–12–24 (43) Bill Tate PTS 12 Jan 25, 1917 30 years, 327 days Grand Opera House, Kansas City, Missouri, US Lost world colored heavyweight title
180 Win 102–11–24 (43) Battling Jim Johnson PTS 12 Jan 1, 1917 30 years, 303 days Academy A.C., Kansas City, Missouri, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
179 Win 101–11–24 (43) Bob Devere NWS 10 Dec 29, 1916 30 years, 300 days Montreal, Quebec, Canada
178 Win 101–11–24 (42) Battling Jim Johnson KO 12 (12), 2:30 Dec 12, 1916 30 years, 283 days Future City A.C., Saint Louis, Missouri, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
177 Draw 100–11–24 (42) Bill Tate NWS 10 Nov 30, 1916 30 years, 271 days Arena, Syracuse, New York, US
176 Draw 100–11–24 (41) Sam McVea PTS 20 Aug 12, 1916 30 years, 161 days Teatro Roma, Avellaneda, Buenos Aires, Argentina Retained world colored heavyweight title
175 Win 100–11–23 (41) Joe Jennette KO 7 (10) May 12, 1916 30 years, 69 days Arena, Syracuse, New York, US Retained world colored heavyweight title claim;
Won undisputed world colored heavyweight title
174 Draw 99–11–23 (41) Sam McVea NWS 12 May 2, 1916 30 years, 59 days East Market St. Rink, Akron, Ohio, US World colored heavyweight title claim at stake;
(via KO only)
173 Loss 99–11–23 (40) Harry Wills NWS 8 Apr 25, 1916 30 years, 52 days Coliseum, Saint Louis, Missouri, US World colored heavyweight title claim at stake;
(via KO only)
172 Win 99–11–23 (39) Sam McVea NWS 10 Apr 7, 1916 30 years, 34 days Arena, Syracuse, New York, US World colored heavyweight title claim at stake;
(via KO only)
171 Win 99–11–23 (38) Jeff Clark TKO 5 (10) Mar 31, 1916 30 years, 27 days Future City A.C., Saint Louis, Missouri, US Retained world colored heavyweight title claim
170 Win 98–11–23 (38) Dave Mills TKO 2 (10) Mar 23, 1916 30 years, 19 days Arena, Syracuse, New York, US Retained world colored heavyweight title claim
169 Loss 97–11–23 (38) Harry Wills NWS 10 Mar 7, 1916 30 years, 3 days Broadway Arena, New York City, New York, US World colored heavyweight title claim at stake;
(via KO only)
168 Win 97–11–23 (37) Cleve Hawkins NWS 10 Feb 28, 1916 29 years, 361 days Long Acre A.C., New York City, New York, US World colored heavyweight title claim at stake;
(via KO only)
167 Win 97–11–23 (36) Sam McVea NWS 10 Feb 17, 1916 29 years, 350 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
166 Win 97–11–23 (35) Harry Wills KO 19 (20) Feb 11, 1916 29 years, 344 days Tommy Burns Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, US Won world colored heavyweight title claim
165 Loss 96–11–23 (35) Harry Wills PTS 20 Jan 3, 1916 29 years, 305 days Tulane A.C., New Orleans, Louisiana, US For world colored heavyweight title claim
164 Loss 96–10–23 (35) Harry Wills NWS 10 Dec 3, 1915 29 years, 274 days Harlem S.C., New York City, New York, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
163 Draw 96–10–23 (34) Sam McVea NWS 10 Nov 23, 1915 29 years, 264 days American A.C., New York City, New York, US
162 Win 96–10–23 (33) Battling Jim Johnson PTS 15 Oct 18, 1915 29 years, 228 days National A.C., Denver, Colorado, US
161 Draw 95–10–23 (33) Sam McVea PTS 20 Sep 30, 1915 29 years, 210 days Stockyards Stadium, Denver, Colorado, US
160 Win 95–10–22 (33) Jack Thompson TKO 1 (15), 0:32 Jul 16, 1915 29 years, 134 days National A.C., Denver, Colorado, US
159 Loss 94–10–22 (33) Sam McVea PTS 12 Jun 29, 1915 29 years, 117 days Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US For a claim of the world colored heavyweight title
158 Win 94–9–22 (33) Battling Jim Johnson NWS 10 Jun 8, 1915 29 years, 96 days Broadway S.C., New York City, New York, US
157 NC 94–9–22 (32) Porky Dan Flynn NC 8 (10) Apr 19, 1915 29 years, 46 days Montreal Sporting Club, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Neither man appeared willing to really mix it
as they boxed with open gloves despite repeated warnings from referee Rooney
156 Loss 94–9–22 (31) Joe Jennette PTS 12 Apr 13, 1915 29 years, 40 days Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US Lost world colored heavyweight title
155 Win 94–8–22 (31) Battling Jim Johnson NWS 10 Apr 6, 1915 29 years, 33 days 135th Street A.C., New York City, New York, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
154 Win 94–8–22 (30) Harry Wills KO 14 (20) Nov 26, 1914 28 years, 267 days Arena, Vernon, California, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
153 Win 93–8–22 (30) Jim Cameron TKO 6 (8) Nov 16, 1914 28 years, 257 days Arctic Street Arena, San Diego, California, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
152 Win 92–8–22 (30) Tom McMahon TKO 6 (20) Nov 10, 1914 28 years, 251 days Arena, Vernon, California, US
151 Loss 91–8–22 (30) Jeff Clark NWS 10 Oct 26, 1914 28 years, 236 days Joplin, Missouri, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
150 Win 91–8–22 (29) Gunboat Smith KO 3 (12) Oct 20, 1914 28 years, 230 days Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US
149 Win 90–8–22 (29) Colin Bell TKO 4 (12) Oct 6, 1914 28 years, 216 days Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US
148 Draw 89–8–22 (29) Joe Jennette NWS 10 Oct 1, 1914 28 years, 211 days Stadium A.C., New York City, New York, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
147 Draw 89–8–22 (28) Battling Jim Johnson PTS 12 Sep 15, 1914 28 years, 195 days Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
146 Win 89–8–21 (28) George 'Kid' Cotton KO 4 (12) Aug 25, 1914 28 years, 174 days Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
145 Win 88–8–21 (28) Battling Jim Johnson NWS 10 Aug 12, 1914 28 years, 161 days Stadium A.C., New York City, New York, US World colored heavyweight title claim at stake;
(via KO only)
144 Win 88–8–21 (27) Bill Watkins KO 4 (10) May 25, 1914 28 years, 82 days Olympic A.C., Rochester, New York, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
143 Draw 87–8–21 (27) Harry Wills NWS 10 May 1, 1914 28 years, 58 days National Baseball Park, New Orleans, Louisiana, US World colored heavyweight title claim at stake;
(via KO only)
142 Win 87–8–21 (26) Rough House Ware TKO 5 (8) Apr 20, 1914 28 years, 47 days Memphis, Tennessee, US
141 Win 86–8–21 (26) George 'Kid' Cotton PTS 8 Apr 15, 1914 28 years, 42 days Chattanooga, Tennessee, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
140 Win 85–8–21 (26) Battling Jim Johnson NWS 10 Mar 27, 1914 28 years, 23 days Empire A.C., New York City, New York, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
139 Win 85–8–21 (25) Bill Watkins TKO 1 (10) Mar 23, 1914 28 years, 19 days National S.C., New York City, New York, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
138 Win 84–8–21 (25) Matthew Curran KO 1 (20), 0:30 Jan 24, 1914 27 years, 326 days Luna Park Arena, Paris, France
137 Win 83–8–21 (25) Joe Jennette PTS 20 Dec 20, 1913 27 years, 291 days Luna Park Arena, Paris, France Won vacant FBF world heavyweight title
136 Loss 82–8–21 (25) Gunboat Smith PTS 12 Nov 17, 1913 27 years, 258 days Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US
135 Win 82–7–21 (25) Jack Lester RTD 5 (10) Oct 27, 1913 27 years, 237 days Taft, California, US
134 Loss 81–7–21 (25) Joe Jennette NWS 10 Oct 3, 1913 27 years, 213 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
133 Win 81–7–21 (24) John Lester Johnson KO 1 (10) Sep 9, 1913 27 years, 189 days Atlantic Garden A.C., New York City, New York, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
132 Win 80–7–21 (24) Porky Dan Flynn KO 4 (12) Aug 26, 1913 27 years, 175 days Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US
131 Draw 79–7–21 (24) Colin Bell PTS 15 Jun 19, 1913 27 years, 107 days Gymnasium Ground, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
130 Draw 79–7–20 (24) Sam McVea PTS 20 Mar 24, 1913 27 years, 20 days Olympic Stadium, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Retained world colored heavyweight title
129 Win 79–7–19 (24) Jim Barry KO 1 (20) Mar 15, 1913 27 years, 11 days Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
128 Win 78–7–19 (24) Sam McVea KO 13 (20) Dec 26, 1912 26 years, 297 days Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Retained Australian and world colored heavyweight titles
127 Win 77–7–19 (24) Sam McVea TKO 11 (20) Oct 9, 1912 26 years, 219 days Exhibition Stadium, Perth, Western Australia, Australia Retained Australian and world colored heavyweight titles;
McVea claimed he was fouled. The ref disagreed and McVea refused to continue
126 Win 76–7–19 (24) Sam McVea PTS 20 Aug 3, 1912 26 years, 152 days Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Retained Australian and world colored heavyweight titles
125 Win 75–7–19 (24) Porky Dan Flynn TKO 14 (20) May 27, 1912 26 years, 84 days Athletic Pavilion, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
124 Win 74–7–19 (24) Jim Barry TKO 11 (20) May 13, 1912 26 years, 70 days Athletic Pavilion, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
123 Win 73–7–19 (24) Sam McVea PTS 20 Apr 8, 1912 26 years, 35 days Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Won Australian and world colored heavyweight titles
122 Win 72–7–19 (24) Jim Barry PTS 20 Feb 12, 1912 25 years, 345 days Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
121 Loss 71–7–19 (24) Sam McVea PTS 20 Dec 26, 1911 25 years, 297 days Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Lost world colored heavyweight title
120 Win 71–6–19 (24) Tony Caponi TKO 3 (10) Nov 6, 1911 25 years, 247 days Twentieth Century A.C., New York City, New York, US
119 Win 70–6–19 (24) Joe Jennette NWS 10 Sep 5, 1911 25 years, 185 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
118 Win 70–6–19 (23) Tony Ross KO 6 (10) Aug 24, 1911 25 years, 173 days National Sporting Club, New York City, New York, US
117 Win 69–6–19 (23) Philadelphia Jack O'Brien TKO 5 (10), 2:00 Aug 15, 1911 25 years, 164 days Twentieth Century A.C., New York City, New York, US
116 Win 68–6–19 (23) Jim Smith TKO 5 (10) Aug 9, 1911 25 years, 158 days Atlantic Garden A.C., New York City, New York, US
115 ND 67–6–19 (23) Jack Driscoll ND 10 Jul 29, 1911 25 years, 147 days Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
114 Win 67–6–19 (22) Jack Fitzgerald TKO 5 (10) Jun 29, 1911 25 years, 117 days National S.C., New York City, New York, US
113 Win 66–6–19 (22) Tony Caponi NWS 10 Jun 16, 1911 25 years, 104 days Auditorium Rink, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
112 Win 66–6–19 (21) Ralph Calloway TKO 4 (10) May 30, 1911 25 years, 87 days Alhambra, Syracuse, New York, US
111 Draw 65–6–19 (21) Sam McVea PTS 20 Apr 1, 1911 25 years, 28 days Cirque de Paris, Paris, France Retained world colored heavyweight title
110 Win 65–6–18 (21) Bill Lang DQ 6 (20) Feb 21, 1911 24 years, 354 days Olympia Annexe, Kensington, London, England
109 Win 64–6–18 (21) Fred Atwater TKO 3 (?) Jan 16, 1911 24 years, 318 days State Armory, Utica, New York, US
108 Win 63–6–18 (21) Joe Jennette PTS 12 Jan 10, 1911 24 years, 312 days Armory A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
107 Win 62–6–18 (21) Morris Harris KO 2 (12) Dec 6, 1910 24 years, 277 days Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
106 Win 61–6–18 (21) Jeff Clark TKO 2 (10) Nov 10, 1910 24 years, 251 days Business Men's A.C., Joplin, Missouri, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
105 Win 60–6–18 (21) Joe Jennette PTS 15 Sep 6, 1910 24 years, 186 days Armory A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US Retained world colored heavyweight title claim
Won world colored heavyweight title
104 Win 59–6–18 (21) Al Kubiak TKO 2 (10) May 17, 1910 24 years, 74 days Fairmont A.C., New York City, New York, US
103 Win 58–6–18 (21) Battling Jim Johnson NWS 6 May 14, 1910 24 years, 71 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US World colored heavyweight title claim at stake;
(via KO only)
102 Win 58–6–18 (20) Stanley Ketchel NWS 6 Apr 27, 1910 24 years, 54 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
101 Win 58–6–18 (19) Jim Barry KO 16 (25) Apr 14, 1910 24 years, 41 days Arena, Vernon, California, US
100 Win 57–6–18 (19) Fireman Jim Flynn KO 8 (45) Mar 17, 1910 24 years, 13 days Jeffries' Arena, Vernon, California, US
99 Win 56–6–18 (19) Nat Dewey TKO 1 (20), 1:50 Feb 22, 1910 23 years, 355 days Turner Hall, Cheyenne, Wyoming, US
98 Loss 55–6–18 (19) Fireman Jim Flynn NWS 10 Feb 8, 1910 23 years, 341 days Naud Junction Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, US
97 Win 55–6–18 (18) Dixie Kid KO 3 (8) Jan 10, 1910 23 years, 312 days Phoenix A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, US Retained world colored heavyweight title claim
96 Win 54–6–18 (18) Mike Schreck TKO 1 (6) Nov 23, 1909 23 years, 264 days Old City Hall, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US
95 Win 53–6–18 (18) Klondike Haynes KO 2 (12), 1:35 Nov 2, 1909 23 years, 243 days Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, US Retained world colored heavyweight title claim
94 Win 52–6–18 (18) Dixie Kid RTD 5 (12) Sep 28, 1909 23 years, 208 days Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, US Retained world colored heavyweight title claim
93 Win 51–6–18 (18) Klondike Haynes NWS 6 Jul 13, 1909 23 years, 131 days Bijou Theater, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US Claimed vacant world colored heavyweight title
92 Win 51–6–18 (17) William Hague KO 4 (20), 1:59 May 24, 1909 23 years, 81 days National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England Won NSC British heavyweight title
91 Draw 50–6–18 (17) Sandy Ferguson PTS 12 Apr 27, 1909 23 years, 54 days Armory A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US
90 Win 50–6–17 (17) Al Kubiak NWS 6 Apr 17, 1909 23 years, 44 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
89 Draw 50–6–17 (16) Jim Barry NWS 10 Apr 14, 1909 23 years, 41 days Chadwick Park, Albany, US
88 Win 50–6–17 (15) John Willie KO 2 (6) Apr 3, 1909 23 years, 30 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
87 Win 49–6–17 (15) Morris Harris TKO 7 (10) Mar 29, 1909 23 years, 25 days Marathon A.C., New York City, New York, US
86 Win 48–6–17 (15) Jim Barry NWS 6 Mar 17, 1909 23 years, 13 days Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
85 Win 48–6–17 (14) Fireman Jim Flynn KO 1 (20), 2:14 Dec 21, 1908 22 years, 292 days Coliseum, San Francisco, California, US
84 Win 47–6–17 (14) Joe Jennette NWS 6 Sep 1, 1908 22 years, 181 days National A.C., New York City, New York, US
83 Win 47–6–17 (13) Tony Ross TKO 5 (6) Aug 7, 1908 22 years, 156 days Fairmont A.C., New York City, New York, US
82 Win 46–6–17 (13) John Willie KO 2 (10) Jul 21, 1908 22 years, 139 days Navarre A.C., New York City, New York, US
81 Win 45–6–17 (13) Jim Barry KO 3 (6) Jun 19, 1908 22 years, 107 days Fairmont A.C., New York City, New York, US
80 Win 44–6–17 (13) Sandy Ferguson PTS 12 May 19, 1908 22 years, 76 days Roanoke A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
79 Win 43–6–17 (13) Jim Barry KO 2 (12) Apr 7, 1908 22 years, 34 days Roanoke A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
78 Win 42–6–17 (13) Larry Temple PTS 8 Mar 11, 1908 22 years, 7 days Roanoke A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
77 Draw 41–6–17 (13) Joe Jennette PTS 12 Mar 3, 1908 21 years, 365 days Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, US
76 Win 41–6–16 (13) Black Fitzsimmons TKO 4 (6) Feb 10, 1908 21 years, 343 days Roanoke A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
75 Draw 40–6–16 (13) Jim Barry NWS 10 Jan 14, 1908 21 years, 316 days Pacific A.C., Los Angeles, California, US
74 Win 40–6–16 (12) Jim Barry PTS 10 Dec 17, 1907 21 years, 288 days Naud Junction Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, US
73 Win 39–6–16 (12) Young Peter Jackson PTS 20 Nov 12, 1907 21 years, 253 days Pacific A.C., Los Angeles, California, US Won vacant world colored middleweight title
72 Win 38–6–16 (12) Jim Barry NWS 10 Oct 15, 1907 21 years, 225 days Winnisimmet A.C., Chelsea, Massachusetts, US
71 Win 38–6–16 (11) Jim Barry NWS 6 Sep 25, 1907 21 years, 205 days Sharkey A.C., New York City, New York, US
70 Win 38–6–16 (10) Larry Temple NWS 10 Aug 27, 1907 21 years, 176 days Winnisimmet A.C., Chelsea, Massachusetts, US Vacant world colored middleweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
69 Win 38–6–16 (9) Geoff Thorne KO 1 (10) Jun 3, 1907 21 years, 91 days National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England
68 Win 37–6–16 (9) Tiger Smith KO 4 (20), 0:57 Apr 22, 1907 21 years, 49 days National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England Won vacant NSC British and Commonwealth middleweight titles
67 Win 36–6–16 (9) Kid Williams KO 6 (?) Jan 31, 1907 20 years, 333 days Rochester, New York, US
66 Draw 35–6–16 (9) Joe Jennette PTS 12 Jan 11, 1907 20 years, 313 days Unity Cycle Club, Lawrence, Massachusetts, US
65 Win 35–6–15 (9) George Gunther TKO 3 (?) Nov 29, 1906 20 years, 270 days Haverhill, Massachusetts, US
64 Win 34–6–15 (9) Young Peter Jackson PTS 15 Nov 21, 1906 20 years, 262 days Rochester, New York, US
63 Win 33–6–15 (9) George Gunther PTS 12 Nov 12, 1906 20 years, 253 days Valley Falls A.C., Valley Falls, Rhode Island, US
62 Loss 32–6–15 (9) Young Peter Jackson TKO 5 (?) Jun 13, 1906 20 years, 101 days Southbridge, Massachusetts, Massachusetts, US
61 Loss 32–5–15 (9) Jack Johnson PTS 15 Apr 26, 1906 20 years, 53 days Lincoln A.C., Chelsea, Massachusetts, US For world colored heavyweight title
60 Win 32–4–15 (9) Joe Jennette PTS 15 Apr 5, 1906 20 years, 32 days Lincoln A.C., Chelsea, Massachusetts, US
59 Win 31–4–15 (9) Black Fitzsimmons TKO 11 (?) Mar 19, 1906 20 years, 15 days Lakeside A.C., Webster, Massachusetts, US
58 Win 30–4–15 (9) Larry Temple KO 15 (15), 2:20 Mar 1, 1906 19 years, 362 days Lincoln A.C., Chelsea, Massachusetts, US
57 Loss 29–4–15 (9) Joe Jennette TKO 8 (12) Dec 25, 1905 19 years, 296 days Unity Cycle Club, Lawrence, Massachusetts, US Langford retired after round 8
56 NC 29–3–15 (9) Jack Blackburn NC 1 (6) Oct 7, 1905 19 years, 217 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US It was quickly evident that Langford and Blackburn
agreed to participate only if the fight was faked, so it was stopped
55 Draw 29–3–15 (8) Young Peter Jackson PTS 15 Sep 29, 1905 19 years, 209 days Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
54 Draw 29–3–14 (8) Jack Blackburn PTS 10 Sep 20, 1905 19 years, 200 days Lyric A.C., Allentown, Pennsylvania, US
53 Draw 29–3–13 (8) Larry Temple PTS 15 Sep 7, 1905 19 years, 187 days Highland A.C., Marlborough, Massachusetts, US
52 Win 29–3–12 (8) Jack Blackburn PTS 15 Aug 18, 1905 19 years, 167 days Leiperville, Pennsylvania, US
51 Loss 28–3–12 (8) Larry Temple PTS 15 Jul 4, 1905 19 years, 122 days Marlborough, Massachusetts, US
50 Win 28–2–12 (8) Young Peter Jackson PTS 15 Jun 16, 1905 19 years, 104 days Douglas A.C., Chelsea, Massachusetts, US
49 Win 27–2–12 (8) Young Peter Jackson PTS 15 May 26, 1905 19 years, 83 days Highland A.C., Marlborough, Massachusetts, US
48 Win 26–2–12 (8) Bogardus Hyde TKO 3 (15) May 16, 1905 19 years, 73 days Music Hall, Webster, Massachusetts, US
47 Win 25–2–12 (8) George Gunther PTS 12 Mar 13, 1905 19 years, 9 days Auditorium, Portland, Maine, US
46 NC 24–2–12 (8) George Cole NC 9 (15) Mar 3, 1905 18 years, 364 days Chelsea, Massachusetts, US The fight was called "no contest" because of a lack of action
45 Win 24–2–12 (7) Dave Holly NWS 15 Feb 13, 1905 18 years, 346 days Apollo A.C., Salem, Massachusetts, US
44 Win 24–2–12 (6) George Gunther TKO 11 (?) Jan 20, 1905 18 years, 322 days Douglas A.C., Chelsea, Massachusetts, US
43 Win 23–2–12 (6) Joe Reed KO 5 (12) Jan 16, 1905 18 years, 318 days Music Hall, Webster, Massachusetts, US
42 Win 22–2–12 (6) Joe Reed TKO 9 (?) Dec 22, 1904 18 years, 293 days Paper City A.C., Berlin, New Hampshire, US
41 Draw 21–2–12 (6) Jack Blackburn PTS 15 Dec 9, 1904 18 years, 280 days Marlborough Theater, Marlborough, Massachusetts, US
40 Win 21–2–11 (6) Tommy Sullivan TKO 3 (12) Nov 25, 1904 18 years, 266 days Highland A.C., Marlborough, Massachusetts, US
39 Win 20–2–11 (6) Andy Watson NWS 12 Nov 24, 1904 18 years, 265 days Music Hall, Webster, Massachusetts, US
38 Draw 20–2–11 (5) Dave Holly NWS 6 Nov 4, 1904 18 years, 245 days Manhattan A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
37 Draw 20–2–11 (4) Dave Holly PTS 15 Sep 30, 1904 18 years, 210 days Eureka A.C., Baltimore, Maryland, US
36 Draw 20–2–10 (4) Barbados Joe Walcott PTS 15 Sep 5, 1904 18 years, 185 days Lake Massabesic Coliseum, Manchester, New Hampshire, US For world welterweight title
35 Win 20–2–9 (4) George 'Elbows' McFadden TKO 2 (15) Jul 29, 1904 18 years, 147 days Manchester, New Hampshire, US
34 Loss 19–2–9 (4) Dave Holly PTS 10 Apr 11, 1904 18 years, 38 days Cambridge A.A., Cambridge, Massachusetts, US
33 Win 19–1–9 (4) Willie Lewis KO 2 (12) Feb 22, 1904 17 years, 355 days Warren A.C., New Bedford, Massachusetts, US
32 Win 18–1–9 (4) Charles Johnson TKO 5 (?) Feb 13, 1904 17 years, 346 days Central A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
31 Win 17–1–9 (4) Belfield Walcott NWS 6 Jan 27, 1904 17 years, 329 days Central A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
30 Draw 17–1–9 (3) Jack Blackburn NWS 6 Jan 11, 1904 17 years, 313 days Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
29 Draw 17–1–9 (2) Andy Watson PTS 12 Jan 6, 1904 17 years, 308 days North Street Rink, Salem, Massachusetts, US
28 Draw 17–1–8 (2) Jack Blackburn PTS 12 Dec 23, 1903 17 years, 294 days Central A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
27 Win 17–1–7 (2) Joe Gans PTS 15 Dec 8, 1903 17 years, 279 days Criterion A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
26 Win 16–1–7 (2) Joe Reed DQ 4 (?) Nov 28, 1903 17 years, 269 days Central A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US Reed threw Langford and was disqualified
25 Win 15–1–7 (2) Patsy Sweeney KO 12 (12), 2:38 Nov 20, 1903 17 years, 261 days Lenox A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
24 Win 14–1–7 (2) Arthur Cote TKO 5 (12) Oct 5, 1903 17 years, 215 days American A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
23 Win 13–1–7 (2) Shadow Morris PTS 12 Sep 15, 1903 17 years, 195 days Central A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
22 Win 12–1–7 (2) Kid Griffo PTS 12 Aug 28, 1903 17 years, 177 days Lenox A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
21 Win 11–1–7 (2) Belfield Walcott PTS 20 Jul 16, 1903 17 years, 134 days Saundersville Athletic Club, Scituate, Rhode Island, US
20 Loss 10–1–7 (2) Danny Duane PTS 12 Jun 26, 1903 17 years, 114 days Lenox A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
19 Win 10–0–7 (2) Walter Burgo TKO 8 (?) Jun 19, 1903 17 years, 107 days Lenox A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
18 Draw 9–0–7 (2) Andy Watson PTS 12 Jun 15, 1903 17 years, 103 days Gloucester A.C., Gloucester, Massachusetts, US
17 Win 9–0–6 (2) Tim Kearns TKO 2 (12) Jun 5, 1903 17 years, 93 days Lenox A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US Kearns quit with an arm injury
16 Draw 8–0–6 (2) Andy Watson PTS 12 May 29, 1903 17 years, 86 days Lenox A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
15 Win 8–0–5 (2) Chick Monahan KO 1 (10) May 26, 1903 17 years, 83 days Criterion A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
14 Win 7–0–5 (2) Billy Jordan PTS 6 May 25, 1903 17 years, 82 days Cambridge Athletic Club, Boston, Massachusetts, US
13 Draw 6–0–5 (2) Andy Watson PTS 10 May 8, 1903 17 years, 65 days Lenox A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US Pre-arranged draw if lasting the distance
12 ND 6–0–4 (2) Andy Watson ND 12 Apr 20, 1903 17 years, 47 days West End A.C., Lawrence, Massachusetts, US
11 Win 6–0–4 (1) Stonewall Allen PTS 6 Apr 16, 1903 17 years, 43 days Essex A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
10 Draw 5–0–4 (1) Stonewall Allen PTS 6 Apr 3, 1903 17 years, 30 days Lenox A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
9 Win 5–0–3 (1) John E. Butler PTS 6 Mar 26, 1903 17 years, 22 days Essex A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
8 Draw 4–0–3 (1) Johnny Johnson PTS 6 Mar 5, 1903 17 years, 1 day Essex A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
7 Win 4–0–2 (1) Sadler Jennings KO 2 (6) Mar 4, 1903 17 years, 0 days Highland Athletic Club, Chelsea, Massachusetts, US
6 Win 3–0–2 (1) Luther Manual PTS 10 Feb 27, 1903 16 years, 360 days Lenox A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
5 Draw 2–0–2 (1) Luther Manual PTS 6 Feb 6, 1903 16 years, 339 days Lenox A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
4 Draw 2–0–1 (1) Luther Manual PTS 4 Jan 23, 1903 16 years, 325 days Essex A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
3 ND 2–0 (1) Billy Chisholm ND 6 Jan 22, 1903 16 years, 324 days Lawrence, Massachusetts, US
2 Win 2–0 Arthur Pratt KO 1 (6) Jan 15, 1903 16 years, 317 days Essex A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
1 Win 1–0 Jack McVicker KO 5 (6) Apr 11, 1902 16 years, 38 days Lenox A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US

Unofficial record edit

314 fights 210 wins 44 losses
By knockout 126 8
By decision 81 36
By disqualification 3 0
Draws 52
No contests 8

Record with the inclusion of newspaper decisions in the win/loss/draw column.

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Age Location Notes
314 Loss 210–44–52 (8) Brad Simmons TKO 1 (10) Aug 2, 1925 39 years, 151 days Drumright, Oklahoma, US Langford retired completely blind
313 Win 210–43–52 (8) Young Jack Johnson KO 2 (?) Jul 1, 1925 39 years, 119 days Shawnee, Oklahoma, US
312 Loss 209–43–52 (8) Battling Gahee PTS 8 Sep 25, 1925 N/A Location unknown Exact date unknown
311 Win 209–42–52 (8) Frolin Gonzales PTS 10 Apr 5, 1925 39 years, 32 days Mexico Reported but not confirmed
310 Draw 208–42–52 (8) Tim Sullivan PTS 6 Mar 1, 1925 N/A Location unknown Exact date unknown
309 Draw 208–42–51 (8) Tim Sullivan PTS 6 Jan 1, 1925 N/A Location unknown Exact date unknown
308 Win 208–42–50 (8) Smiling 'Kid' Nolan KO 2 (?) Sep 10, 1924 38 years, 190 days Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Reported but not confirmed
307 Win 207–42–50 (8) Sydney Grant KO 4 (?) Jul 7, 1924 38 years, 125 days Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Reported but not confirmed
306 Win 206–42–50 (8) Eddie Tremblay KO 3 (4) May 4, 1924 38 years, 61 days Venice, California, US Reported but not confirmed
305 Loss 205–42–50 (8) Eddie Tremblay PTS 4 Apr 23, 1924 38 years, 50 days Venice, California, US
304 Win 205–41–50 (8) Sammy Olson PTS 4 Apr 18, 1924 38 years, 45 days Bakersfield Stadium, Bakersfield, California, US
303 ND 204–41–50 (8) Jim Jam Barry ND 4 Apr 16, 1924 38 years, 43 days San Fernando Stadium, San Fernando, California, US Bout went four rounds. San Fernando Sun did not give result of decision though
302 Win 204–41–50 (7) Jim Jam Barry PTS 4 Apr 4, 1924 38 years, 31 days Huntington Beach, California, US
301 Win 203–41–50 (7) Smiling 'Kid' Nolan KO 5 (?) Mar 6, 1924 38 years, 2 days Venice, California, US Reported but not confirmed
300 Win 202–41–50 (7) Tom Riley KO 2 (?) Jan 20, 1924 37 years, 322 days Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico
299 Win 201–41–50 (7) Fireman Jim Flynn PTS 8 Jan 6, 1924 37 years, 308 days Ford's Arena, Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico
298 Loss 200–41–50 (7) Sonny Goodrich PTS 10 Dec 18, 1923 37 years, 289 days Community House, San Antonio, Texas, US For Mexico heavyweight title
297 Win 200–40–50 (7) Roscoe Hall KO 1 (?) Dec 11, 1923 37 years, 282 days Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Reported but not confirmed
296 Win 199–40–50 (7) Andrés Balsa TKO 8 (15) Nov 10, 1923 37 years, 251 days Teatro Independencia, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
295 Win 198–40–50 (7) Fireman Jim Flynn KO 3 (15) Oct 19, 1923 37 years, 229 days Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
294 Loss 197–40–50 (7) Bearcat Wright KO 9 (?) Aug 15, 1923 37 years, 164 days Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
293 Win 197–39–50 (7) Fireman Jim Flynn PTS 10 Aug 2, 1923 37 years, 151 days Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
292 Loss 196–39–50 (7) Clem Johnson TKO 13 (15), 1:25 Jul 27, 1923 37 years, 145 days Plaza de Toros, Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico Lost Mexico heavyweight title
291 Win 196–38–50 (7) Jim Tracey KO 4 (20) Jul 15, 1923 37 years, 133 days Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Retained Mexico heavyweight title
290 Win 195–38–50 (7) Jack Voight KO 5 (15) May 19, 1923 37 years, 76 days El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Retained Mexico heavyweight title
289 Win 194–38–50 (7) Art Surans KO 3 (?) May 16, 1923 37 years, 73 days Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Retained Mexico heavyweight title
288 Win 193–38–50 (7) Andrés Balsa KO 3 May 6, 1923 37 years, 63 days Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Scheduled as a "finish fight"
287 Win 192–38–50 (7) Andrés Balsa PTS 10 Apr 28, 1923 37 years, 55 days Arena Cine Imperio, Torreon, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico
286 Win 191–38–50 (7) Chihuahua 'Kid' Brown PTS 15 Apr 15, 1923 37 years, 42 days Plaza de Toros, Torreon, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Mexico
285 Win 190–38–50 (7) Andrés Balsa TKO 6 (15) Apr 8, 1923 37 years, 35 days Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Retained Mexico heavyweight title
284 Win 189–38–50 (7) Jack Savage KO 1 (?) Mar 31, 1923 37 years, 27 days Chapultepec Bull Ring, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico Won Mexico heavyweight title
283 Win 188–38–50 (7) Chihuahua 'Kid' Brown KO 1 (10) Mar 17, 1923 37 years, 13 days Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
282 Win 187–38–50 (7) Jim Tracey KO 6 (?) Mar 2, 1923 36 years, 363 days Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
281 Win 186–38–50 (7) Tom McCarty KO 2 (?) Feb 15, 1923 36 years, 348 days Albuquerque, New Mexico, US
280 Win 185–38–50 (7) Sonny Goodrich TKO 7 (12) Dec 25, 1922 36 years, 296 days Market House Arena, San Antonio, Texas, US
279 Win 184–38–50 (7) Roscoe Hall KO 3 (?) Dec 24, 1922 36 years, 295 days Mexico Reported but not confirmed
278 Win 183–38–50 (7) Jack Taylor KO 8 (?) Dec 12, 1922 36 years, 283 days Mexico
277 Draw 182–38–50 (7) Jim Jam Barry PTS 10 Nov 10, 1922 36 years, 251 days Douglas, Arizona, US
276 Draw 182–38–49 (7) Jack Taylor PTS 15 Nov 5, 1922 36 years, 246 days Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico
275 Win 182–38–48 (7) Jack Taylor PTS 15 Oct 20, 1922 36 years, 230 days Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico
274 Win 181–38–48 (7) Cyclone Smith KO 2 (?) Oct 6, 1922 36 years, 216 days El Paso, Texas, US
273 Win 180–38–48 (7) Battling Owens KO 7 (15) Sep 22, 1922 36 years, 202 days Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico
272 Draw 179–38–48 (7) Jack Taylor NWS 10 Aug 21, 1922 36 years, 170 days Mizzou Park, Sioux City, Iowa, US
271 Draw 179–38–47 (7) Brad Simmons NWS 10 Aug 11, 1922 36 years, 160 days Wichita, Kansas, US
270 Win 179–38–46 (7) Bill Tate PTS 12 Aug 4, 1922 36 years, 153 days Tulsa, Oklahoma, US
269 Win 178–38–46 (7) Bearcat Wright RTD 5 (12) Jul 17, 1922 36 years, 135 days Tulsa, Oklahoma, US
268 Draw 177–38–46 (7) Bearcat Wright PTS 12 Jun 19, 1922 36 years, 107 days City Auditorium, Galveston, Texas, US
267 Win 177–38–45 (7) Tiger Flowers KO 2 (10) Jun 5, 1922 36 years, 93 days Ponce de Leon Ballpark, Atlanta, Georgia, US
266 Draw 176–38–45 (7) Ted Jamieson PTS 10 May 22, 1922 36 years, 79 days Private club, Chicago, Illinois, US
265 Win 176–38–44 (7) Roscoe Hall KO 4 (8) May 16, 1922 36 years, 73 days Bijou Ring, Nashville, Tennessee, US
264 Win 175–38–44 (7) Roscoe Hall KO 2 (8) Apr 20, 1922 36 years, 47 days Venice A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, US
263 Win 174–38–44 (7) Jack Leslie NWS 10 Apr 15, 1922 36 years, 42 days Indianapolis, Indiana, US
262 Loss 173–38–44 (7) Tut Jackson DQ 5 (12) Apr 6, 1922 36 years, 33 days Triangle Park, Dayton, Ohio, US
261 Loss 173–37–44 (7) Bill Tate PTS 8 Mar 27, 1922 36 years, 23 days Memphis, Tennessee, US
260 Win 173–36–44 (7) Cyclone Smith KO 2 (10) Mar 17, 1922 36 years, 13 days Clyffeside Park, Ashland, Kentucky, US
259 Loss 172–36–44 (7) Harry Wills PTS 10 Jan 17, 1922 35 years, 319 days Arena, Milwaukie, Oregon, US For world colored heavyweight title claim
258 Win 172–35–44 (7) Young Peter Jackson NWS 10 Dec 9, 1921 35 years, 280 days Illinois Theatre, Urbana, Illinois, US
257 Win 171–35–44 (7) Lee Anderson PTS 10 Dec 7, 1921 35 years, 278 days Tucson, Arizona, US
256 Loss 170–35–44 (7) Lee Anderson PTS 10 Nov 24, 1921 35 years, 265 days Capital City Arena, Phoenix, Arizona, US
255 Win 170–34–44 (7) Young Peter Jackson KO 2 (10) Oct 18, 1921 35 years, 228 days The Armouries, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Not to be confused with Young Peter Jackson
254 Loss 169–34–44 (7) Bill Tate NWS 12 Sep 21, 1921 35 years, 201 days Riverside Arena, Covington, Kentucky, US
253 Loss 169–33–44 (7) Lee Anderson NWS 12 Sep 5, 1921 35 years, 185 days Coliseum, Fort Worth, Texas, US
252 Draw 169–32–44 (7) Topeka Jack Johnson PTS 6 Aug 19, 1921 35 years, 168 days State Fairgrounds, Topeka, Kansas, US
251 Win 169–32–43 (7) George Godfrey KO 1 (12) Aug 17, 1921 35 years, 166 days Riverside Arena, Covington, Kentucky, US
250 Win 168–32–43 (7) Lee Anderson PTS 10 Aug 12, 1921 35 years, 161 days Omaha, Nebraska, US
249 Win 167–32–43 (7) Bearcat Wright KO 9 (10) Jul 20, 1921 35 years, 138 days Omaha, Nebraska, US
248 Win 166–32–43 (7) Bill Watkins KO ? Feb 7, 1921 N/A Canada Exact date, location and # of rounds unknown
247 Win 165–32–43 (7) Alfred Johnson KO ? Feb 6, 1921 N/A Canada Exact date, location and # of rounds unknown
246 Draw 164–32–43 (7) Jack Thompson PTS 10 Feb 3, 1921 N/A Canada Exact date unknown
245 Win 164–32–42 (7) Bob Devere TKO 7 (10) Jan 14, 1921 34 years, 316 days Armory, Portland, Oregon, US
244 Draw 163–32–42 (7) Lee Anderson PTS 12 Jan 7, 1921 34 years, 309 days Omaha, Nebraska, US
243 Win 163–32–41 (7) Jim Jam Barry PTS 10 Dec 29, 1920 34 years, 300 days Armory, Portland, Oregon, US
242 Win 162–32–41 (7) Clem Johnson PTS 10 Dec 23, 1920 34 years, 294 days Aberdeen, Washington, US
241 Win 161–32–41 (7) Terry Kellar PTS 6 Dec 9, 1920 34 years, 280 days Aberdeen, Washington, US
240 Win 160–32–41 (7) Tiny Jim Herman TKO 7 (10) Dec 2, 1920 34 years, 273 days Heilig Theater, Portland, Oregon, US
239 Win 159–32–41 (7) George Godfrey KO 2 (10) Nov 17, 1920 34 years, 258 days Hot Springs, Arkansas, US
238 Win 158–32–41 (7) Jack Thompson PTS 8 Nov 15, 1920 34 years, 256 days Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, US
237 Loss 157–32–41 (7) Lee Anderson PTS 10 Oct 20, 1920 34 years, 230 days Heilig Theater, Portland, Oregon, US
236 Win 157–31–41 (7) Frank Farmer PTS 4 Oct 13, 1920 34 years, 223 days Arena, Seattle, Washington, US
235 Win 156–31–41 (7) Tiny Jim Herman KO 7 (10) Oct 6, 1920 34 years, 216 days Heilig Theater, Portland, Oregon, US
234 Loss 155–31–41 (7) Bill Tate NWS 6 Sep 6, 1920 34 years, 186 days Floyd Fitzsimmons Arena, Benton Harbor, Michigan, US
233 Win 155–30–41 (7) Bearcat Wright PTS 10 Aug 30, 1920 34 years, 179 days Walthill, Nebraska, US
232 Win 154–30–41 (7) Sam McVea NWS 10 Aug 14, 1920 34 years, 163 days East Chicago, Indiana, US
231 Win 153–30–41 (7) Pinky Lewis KO 7 (8), 1:30 Jul 26, 1920 34 years, 144 days Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, US
230 Win 152–30–41 (7) Jack Mitchell KO 3 (10) Jul 2, 1920 34 years, 120 days Springfield, Missouri, US
229 Win 151–30–41 (7) Rough House Ware KO 9 (15) Jun 7, 1920 34 years, 95 days Tulane Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, US
228 Win 150–30–41 (7) Jeff Clark PTS 15 May 31, 1920 34 years, 88 days Columbus, Ohio, US
227 Win 149–30–41 (7) Marty Cutler TKO 3 (10) May 18, 1920 34 years, 75 days Armouries, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
226 Draw 148–30–41 (7) George Godfrey PTS 10 May 1, 1920 N/A Canada Exact date unknown
225 Loss 148–30–40 (7) Harry Wills PTS 15 Apr 23, 1920 34 years, 50 days Detroit, Michigan, US For world colored heavyweight title
224 Win 148–29–40 (7) Silas Green KO 3 (10) Apr 9, 1920 34 years, 36 days Detroit, Michigan, US
223 Win 147–29–40 (7) Jack Thompson PTS 15 Apr 5, 1920 34 years, 32 days Convention Hall, Muskogee, Oklahoma, US
222 Win 146–29–40 (7) Jamaica Kid TKO 7 (12) Mar 29, 1920 34 years, 25 days Columbus, Ohio, US
221 Win 145–29–40 (7) Battling Gahee KO 2 (8) Feb 23, 1920 33 years, 356 days Southern A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, US
220 Draw 144–29–40 (7) Jeff Clark NWS 10 Feb 16, 1920 33 years, 349 days K of C Hall, Terre Haute, Indiana, US
219 Win 144–29–39 (7) Jeff Clark NWS 10 Jan 16, 1920 33 years, 318 days Kalamazoo, Michigan, US
218 Win 143–29–39 (7) Dave McBride KO 1 (?), 1:00 Dec 3, 1919 33 years, 274 days Liberty Theater, Camp Grant, Illinois, US
217 NC 142–29–39 (7) Jack Thompson NC 6 (10) Nov 24, 1919 33 years, 265 days Shrine Auditorium, Duluth, Minnesota, US Both fighters were fined $500 for stalling
216 Win 142–29–39 (6) Mexican Jim Johnson KO 9 (15) Nov 17, 1919 33 years, 258 days Auditorium, Sioux City, Iowa, US
215 Loss 141–29–39 (6) Harry Wills PTS 15 Nov 5, 1919 33 years, 246 days Convention Hall, Tulsa, Oklahoma, US For world colored heavyweight title
214 Draw 141–28–39 (6) Jack Thompson PTS 15 Oct 21, 1919 33 years, 231 days Tulsa, Oklahoma, US bout was advertised for the colored heavyweight championship
213 Loss 141–28–38 (6) Harry Wills NWS 10 Sep 30, 1919 33 years, 210 days Arena, Syracuse, New York, US
212 Win 141–27–38 (6) Rough House Wilson KO 4 (10) Sep 18, 1919 33 years, 198 days Battle Creek, Michigan, US
211 Win 140–27–38 (6) Bill Tate NWS 10 Aug 23, 1919 33 years, 172 days Grand Rapids, Michigan, US
210 Draw 139–27–38 (6) Jack Thompson PTS 15 Aug 4, 1919 33 years, 153 days Tulsa, Oklahoma, US
209 Loss 139–27–37 (6) Harry Wills NWS 8 Jul 4, 1919 33 years, 122 days Sportsman's Park, Saint Louis, Missouri, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
208 Win 139–26–37 (6) Bill Tate DQ 5 (10) Jun 19, 1919 33 years, 107 days Nicollet Park, Minneapolis, Minnesota, US Tate was disqualified for holding
207 Win 138–26–37 (6) Billy Hooper KO 4 (10) Apr 30, 1919 33 years, 57 days Springer Opera House, Columbus, Georgia, US
206 Loss 137–26–37 (6) Willie Meehan PTS 4 Mar 4, 1919 33 years, 0 days Coliseum, San Francisco, California, US
205 Loss 137–25–37 (6) Fred Fulton PTS 4 Dec 27, 1918 32 years, 298 days Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California, US
204 Win 137–24–37 (6) Jeff Clark PTS 8 Dec 16, 1918 32 years, 287 days Nashville, Tennessee, US
203 Win 136–24–37 (6) Big Boy Butler KO 5 (10) Dec 12, 1918 32 years, 283 days Empire Theatre, Rock Island, Illinois, US
202 Loss 135–24–37 (6) Jeff Clark NWS 6 Nov 28, 1918 32 years, 269 days Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
201 Draw 135–23–37 (6) Jeff Clark PTS 10 Nov 15, 1918 32 years, 256 days Atlanta, Georgia, US
200 Draw 135–23–36 (6) Jeff Clark PTS 12 Oct 31, 1918 32 years, 241 days Crescent Rink, Lowell, Massachusetts, US
199 Win 135–23–35 (6) Battling Jim Johnson NWS 8 Aug 22, 1918 32 years, 171 days Lafayette A.C., Saint Louis, Missouri, US
198 Win 134–23–35 (6) Rough House Ware KO 9 (15) Aug 19, 1918 32 years, 168 days Tulsa, Oklahoma, US
197 Win 133–23–35 (6) Jack Thompson NWS 6 Aug 8, 1918 32 years, 157 days Shibe Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
196 Win 132–23–35 (6) Battling Jim Johnson NWS 8 Aug 5, 1918 32 years, 154 days Atlantic City S.C., Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
195 Win 131–23–35 (6) Battling Jim Johnson PTS 10 Jun 19, 1918 32 years, 107 days Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, US
194 Loss 130–23–35 (6) Harry Wills TKO 8 (20) May 19, 1918 32 years, 76 days Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama For world colored heavyweight title
193 Loss 130–22–35 (6) Harry Wills KO 6 (20) Apr 14, 1918 32 years, 41 days Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama Lost world colored heavyweight title
192 Win 130–21–35 (6) Kid Norfolk KO 2 (20) Dec 17, 1917 31 years, 288 days Stockyards Stadium, Denver, Colorado, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
191 Draw 129–21–35 (6) Harry Wills NWS 12 Nov 12, 1917 31 years, 253 days Coliseum, Toledo, Ohio, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
190 Loss 129–21–34 (6) Harry Wills NWS 10 Sep 20, 1917 31 years, 200 days Clermont Avenue Rink, New York City, New York, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
189 Win 129–20–34 (6) Andy Johnson KO 2 (15) Sep 17, 1917 31 years, 197 days Maryland A.C., Ardmore, Maryland, US
188 Win 128–20–34 (6) Joe Jennette NWS 12 Sep 14, 1917 31 years, 194 days Coliseum, Toledo, Ohio, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
187 Win 127–20–34 (6) Andre Anderson TKO 2 (?) Aug 17, 1917 31 years, 166 days Urban Liberty Park, Buffalo, New York, US
186 Loss 126–20–34 (6) Fred Fulton TKO 7 (12) Jun 19, 1917 31 years, 100 days Armory A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US
185 Loss 126–19–34 (6) Harry Wills NWS 6 May 11, 1917 31 years, 68 days Cambria A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
184 Win 126–18–34 (6) Bill Tate KO 5 (12) May 1, 1917 31 years, 58 days Future City A.C., Saint Louis, Missouri, US Won world colored heavyweight title
183 Win 125–18–34 (6) Bob Devere NWS 10 Apr 20, 1917 31 years, 47 days Harlem S.C., New York City, New York, US
182 Win 124–18–34 (6) Jack Thompson NWS 10 Apr 10, 1917 31 years, 37 days Broadway S.C., New York City, New York, US
181 Loss 123–18–34 (6) Bill Tate PTS 12 Jan 25, 1917 30 years, 327 days Grand Opera House, Kansas City, Missouri, US Lost world colored heavyweight title
180 Win 123–17–34 (6) Battling Jim Johnson PTS 12 Jan 1, 1917 30 years, 303 days Academy A.C., Kansas City, Missouri, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
179 Win 122–17–34 (6) Bob Devere NWS 10 Dec 29, 1916 30 years, 300 days Montreal, Quebec, Canada
178 Win 121–17–34 (6) Battling Jim Johnson KO 12 (12), 2:30 Dec 12, 1916 30 years, 283 days Future City A.C., Saint Louis, Missouri, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
177 Draw 120–17–34 (6) Bill Tate NWS 10 Nov 30, 1916 30 years, 271 days Arena, Syracuse, New York, US
176 Draw 120–17–33 (6) Sam McVea PTS 20 Aug 12, 1916 30 years, 161 days Teatro Roma, Avellaneda, Buenos Aires, Argentina Retained world colored heavyweight title
175 Win 120–17–32 (6) Joe Jennette KO 7 (10) May 12, 1916 30 years, 69 days Arena, Syracuse, New York, US Retained world colored heavyweight title claim;
Won undisputed world colored heavyweight title
174 Draw 119–17–32 (6) Sam McVea NWS 12 May 2, 1916 30 years, 59 days East Market St. Rink, Akron, Ohio, US World colored heavyweight title claim at stake;
(via KO only)
173 Loss 119–17–31 (6) Harry Wills NWS 8 Apr 25, 1916 30 years, 52 days Coliseum, Saint Louis, Missouri, US World colored heavyweight title claim at stake;
(via KO only)
172 Win 119–16–31 (6) Sam McVea NWS 10 Apr 7, 1916 30 years, 34 days Arena, Syracuse, New York, US World colored heavyweight title claim at stake;
(via KO only)
171 Win 118–16–31 (6) Jeff Clark TKO 5 (10) Mar 31, 1916 30 years, 27 days Future City A.C., Saint Louis, Missouri, US Retained world colored heavyweight title claim
170 Win 117–16–31 (6) Dave Mills TKO 2 (10) Mar 23, 1916 30 years, 19 days Arena, Syracuse, New York, US Retained world colored heavyweight title claim
169 Loss 116–16–31 (6) Harry Wills NWS 10 Mar 7, 1916 30 years, 3 days Broadway Arena, New York City, New York, US World colored heavyweight title claim at stake;
(via KO only)
168 Win 116–15–31 (6) Cleve Hawkins NWS 10 Feb 28, 1916 29 years, 361 days Long Acre A.C., New York City, New York, US World colored heavyweight title claim at stake;
(via KO only)
167 Win 115–15–31 (6) Sam McVea NWS 10 Feb 17, 1916 29 years, 350 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
166 Win 114–15–31 (6) Harry Wills KO 19 (20) Feb 11, 1916 29 years, 344 days Tommy Burns Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, US Won world colored heavyweight title claim
165 Loss 113–15–31 (6) Harry Wills PTS 20 Jan 3, 1916 29 years, 305 days Tulane A.C., New Orleans, Louisiana, US For world colored heavyweight title claim
164 Loss 113–14–31 (6) Harry Wills NWS 10 Dec 3, 1915 29 years, 274 days Harlem S.C., New York City, New York, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
163 Draw 113–13–31 (6) Sam McVea NWS 10 Nov 23, 1915 29 years, 264 days American A.C., New York City, New York, US
162 Win 113–13–30 (6) Battling Jim Johnson PTS 15 Oct 18, 1915 29 years, 228 days National A.C., Denver, Colorado, US
161 Draw 112–13–30 (6) Sam McVea PTS 20 Sep 30, 1915 29 years, 210 days Stockyards Stadium, Denver, Colorado, US
160 Win 112–13–29 (6) Jack Thompson TKO 1 (15), 0:32 Jul 16, 1915 29 years, 134 days National A.C., Denver, Colorado, US
159 Loss 111–13–29 (6) Sam McVea PTS 12 Jun 29, 1915 29 years, 117 days Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US For a claim of the world colored heavyweight title
158 Win 111–12–29 (6) Battling Jim Johnson NWS 10 Jun 8, 1915 29 years, 96 days Broadway S.C., New York City, New York, US
157 NC 110–12–29 (6) Porky Dan Flynn NC 8 (10) Apr 19, 1915 29 years, 46 days Montreal Sporting Club, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Neither man appeared willing to really mix it
as they boxed with open gloves despite repeated warnings from referee Rooney
156 Loss 110–12–29 (5) Joe Jennette PTS 12 Apr 13, 1915 29 years, 40 days Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US Lost world colored heavyweight title
155 Win 110–11–29 (5) Battling Jim Johnson NWS 10 Apr 6, 1915 29 years, 33 days 135th Street A.C., New York City, New York, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
154 Win 109–11–29 (5) Harry Wills KO 14 (20) Nov 26, 1914 28 years, 267 days Arena, Vernon, California, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
153 Win 108–11–29 (5) Jim Cameron TKO 6 (8) Nov 16, 1914 28 years, 257 days Arctic Street Arena, San Diego, California, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
152 Win 107–11–29 (5) Tom McMahon TKO 6 (20) Nov 10, 1914 28 years, 251 days Arena, Vernon, California, US
151 Loss 106–11–29 (5) Jeff Clark NWS 10 Oct 26, 1914 28 years, 236 days Joplin, Missouri, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
150 Win 106–10–29 (5) Gunboat Smith KO 3 (12) Oct 20, 1914 28 years, 230 days Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US
149 Win 105–10–29 (5) Colin Bell TKO 4 (12) Oct 6, 1914 28 years, 216 days Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US
148 Draw 104–10–29 (5) Joe Jennette NWS 10 Oct 1, 1914 28 years, 211 days Stadium A.C., New York City, New York, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
147 Draw 104–10–28 (5) Battling Jim Johnson PTS 12 Sep 15, 1914 28 years, 195 days Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
146 Win 104–10–27 (5) George 'Kid' Cotton KO 4 (12) Aug 25, 1914 28 years, 174 days Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
145 Win 103–10–27 (5) Battling Jim Johnson NWS 10 Aug 12, 1914 28 years, 161 days Stadium A.C., New York City, New York, US World colored heavyweight title claim at stake;
(via KO only)
144 Win 102–10–27 (5) Bill Watkins KO 4 (10) May 25, 1914 28 years, 82 days Olympic A.C., Rochester, New York, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
143 Draw 101–10–27 (5) Harry Wills NWS 10 May 1, 1914 28 years, 58 days National Baseball Park, New Orleans, Louisiana, US World colored heavyweight title claim at stake;
(via KO only)
142 Win 101–10–26 (5) Rough House Ware TKO 5 (8) Apr 20, 1914 28 years, 47 days Memphis, Tennessee, US
141 Win 100–10–26 (5) George 'Kid' Cotton PTS 8 Apr 15, 1914 28 years, 42 days Chattanooga, Tennessee, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
140 Win 99–10–26 (5) Battling Jim Johnson NWS 10 Mar 27, 1914 28 years, 23 days Empire A.C., New York City, New York, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
139 Win 98–10–26 (5) Bill Watkins TKO 1 (10) Mar 23, 1914 28 years, 19 days National S.C., New York City, New York, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
138 Win 97–10–26 (5) Matthew Curran KO 1 (20), 0:30 Jan 24, 1914 27 years, 326 days Luna Park Arena, Paris, France
137 Win 96–10–26 (5) Joe Jennette PTS 20 Dec 20, 1913 27 years, 291 days Luna Park Arena, Paris, France Won vacant FBF world heavyweight title
136 Loss 95–10–26 (5) Gunboat Smith PTS 12 Nov 17, 1913 27 years, 258 days Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US
135 Win 95–9–26 (5) Jack Lester RTD 5 (10) Oct 27, 1913 27 years, 237 days Taft, California, US
134 Loss 94–9–26 (5) Joe Jennette NWS 10 Oct 3, 1913 27 years, 213 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
133 Win 94–8–26 (5) John Lester Johnson KO 1 (10) Sep 9, 1913 27 years, 189 days Atlantic Garden A.C., New York City, New York, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
132 Win 93–8–26 (5) Porky Dan Flynn KO 4 (12) Aug 26, 1913 27 years, 175 days Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US
131 Draw 92–8–26 (5) Colin Bell PTS 15 Jun 19, 1913 27 years, 107 days Gymnasium Ground, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
130 Draw 92–8–25 (5) Sam McVea PTS 20 Mar 24, 1913 27 years, 20 days Olympic Stadium, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Retained world colored heavyweight title
129 Win 92–8–24 (5) Jim Barry KO 1 (20) Mar 15, 1913 27 years, 11 days Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
128 Win 91–8–24 (5) Sam McVea KO 13 (20) Dec 26, 1912 26 years, 297 days Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Retained Australian and world colored heavyweight titles
127 Win 90–8–24 (5) Sam McVea TKO 11 (20) Oct 9, 1912 26 years, 219 days Exhibition Stadium, Perth, Western Australia, Australia Retained Australian and world colored heavyweight titles;
McVea claimed he was fouled. The ref disagreed and McVea refused to continue
126 Win 89–8–24 (5) Sam McVea PTS 20 Aug 3, 1912 26 years, 152 days Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Retained Australian and world colored heavyweight titles
125 Win 88–8–24 (5) Porky Dan Flynn TKO 14 (20) May 27, 1912 26 years, 84 days Athletic Pavilion, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
124 Win 87–8–24 (5) Jim Barry TKO 11 (20) May 13, 1912 26 years, 70 days Athletic Pavilion, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
123 Win 86–8–24 (5) Sam McVea PTS 20 Apr 8, 1912 26 years, 35 days Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Won Australian and world colored heavyweight titles
122 Win 85–8–24 (5) Jim Barry PTS 20 Feb 12, 1912 25 years, 345 days Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
121 Loss 84–8–24 (5) Sam McVea PTS 20 Dec 26, 1911 25 years, 297 days Sydney Stadium, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Lost world colored heavyweight title
120 Win 84–7–24 (5) Tony Caponi TKO 3 (10) Nov 6, 1911 25 years, 247 days Twentieth Century A.C., New York City, New York, US
119 Win 83–7–24 (5) Joe Jennette NWS 10 Sep 5, 1911 25 years, 185 days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
118 Win 82–7–24 (5) Tony Ross KO 6 (10) Aug 24, 1911 25 years, 173 days National Sporting Club, New York City, New York, US
117 Win 81–7–24 (5) Philadelphia Jack O'Brien TKO 5 (10), 2:00 Aug 15, 1911 25 years, 164 days Twentieth Century A.C., New York City, New York, US
116 Win 80–7–24 (5) Jim Smith TKO 5 (10) Aug 9, 1911 25 years, 158 days Atlantic Garden A.C., New York City, New York, US
115 ND 79–7–24 (5) Jack Driscoll ND 10 Jul 29, 1911 25 years, 147 days Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
114 Win 79–7–24 (4) Jack Fitzgerald TKO 5 (10) Jun 29, 1911 25 years, 117 days National S.C., New York City, New York, US
113 Win 78–7–24 (4) Tony Caponi NWS 10 Jun 16, 1911 25 years, 104 days Auditorium Rink, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
112 Win 77–7–24 (4) Ralph Calloway TKO 4 (10) May 30, 1911 25 years, 87 days Alhambra, Syracuse, New York, US
111 Draw 76–7–24 (4) Sam McVea PTS 20 Apr 1, 1911 25 years, 28 days Cirque de Paris, Paris, France Retained world colored heavyweight title
110 Win 76–7–23 (4) Bill Lang DQ 6 (20) Feb 21, 1911 24 years, 354 days Olympia Annexe, Kensington, London, England
109 Win 75–7–23 (4) Fred Atwater TKO 3 (?) Jan 16, 1911 24 years, 318 days State Armory, Utica, New York, US
108 Win 74–7–23 (4) Joe Jennette PTS 12 Jan 10, 1911 24 years, 312 days Armory A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
107 Win 73–7–23 (4) Morris Harris KO 2 (12) Dec 6, 1910 24 years, 277 days Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
106 Win 72–7–23 (4) Jeff Clark TKO 2 (10) Nov 10, 1910 24 years, 251 days Business Men's A.C., Joplin, Missouri, US Retained world colored heavyweight title
105 Win 71–7–23 (4) Joe Jennette PTS 15 Sep 6, 1910 24 years, 186 days Armory A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US Retained world colored heavyweight title claim
Won world colored heavyweight title
104 Win 70–7–23 (4) Al Kubiak TKO 2 (10) May 17, 1910 24 years, 74 days Fairmont A.C., New York City, New York, US
103 Win 69–7–23 (4) Battling Jim Johnson NWS 6 May 14, 1910 24 years, 71 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US World colored heavyweight title claim at stake;
(via KO only)
102 Win 68–7–23 (4) Stanley Ketchel NWS 6 Apr 27, 1910 24 years, 54 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
101 Win 67–7–23 (4) Jim Barry KO 16 (25) Apr 14, 1910 24 years, 41 days Arena, Vernon, California, US
100 Win 66–7–23 (4) Fireman Jim Flynn KO 8 (45) Mar 17, 1910 24 years, 13 days Jeffries' Arena, Vernon, California, US
99 Win 65–7–23 (4) Nat Dewey TKO 1 (20), 1:50 Feb 22, 1910 23 years, 355 days Turner Hall, Cheyenne, Wyoming, US
98 Loss 64–7–23 (4) Fireman Jim Flynn NWS 10 Feb 8, 1910 23 years, 341 days Naud Junction Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, US
97 Win 64–6–23 (4) Dixie Kid KO 3 (8) Jan 10, 1910 23 years, 312 days Phoenix A.C., Memphis, Tennessee, US Retained world colored heavyweight title claim
96 Win 63–6–23 (4) Mike Schreck TKO 1 (6) Nov 23, 1909 23 years, 264 days Old City Hall, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US
95 Win 62–6–23 (4) Klondike Haynes KO 2 (12), 1:35 Nov 2, 1909 23 years, 243 days Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, US Retained world colored heavyweight title claim
94 Win 61–6–23 (4) Dixie Kid RTD 5 (12) Sep 28, 1909 23 years, 208 days Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, US Retained world colored heavyweight title claim
93 Win 60–6–23 (4) Klondike Haynes NWS 6 Jul 13, 1909 23 years, 131 days Bijou Theater, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US Claimed vacant world colored heavyweight title
92 Win 59–6–23 (4) William Hague KO 4 (20), 1:59 May 24, 1909 23 years, 81 days National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England Won NSC British heavyweight title
91 Draw 58–6–23 (4) Sandy Ferguson PTS 12 Apr 27, 1909 23 years, 54 days Armory A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US
90 Win 58–6–22 (4) Al Kubiak NWS 6 Apr 17, 1909 23 years, 44 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
89 Draw 57–6–22 (4) Jim Barry NWS 10 Apr 14, 1909 23 years, 41 days Chadwick Park, Albany, US
88 Win 57–6–21 (4) John Willie KO 2 (6) Apr 3, 1909 23 years, 30 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
87 Win 56–6–21 (4) Morris Harris TKO 7 (10) Mar 29, 1909 23 years, 25 days Marathon A.C., New York City, New York, US
86 Win 55–6–21 (4) Jim Barry NWS 6 Mar 17, 1909 23 years, 13 days Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
85 Win 54–6–21 (4) Fireman Jim Flynn KO 1 (20), 2:14 Dec 21, 1908 22 years, 292 days Coliseum, San Francisco, California, US
84 Draw 53–6–21 (4) Joe Jennette NWS 6 Sep 1, 1908 22 years, 181 days National A.C., New York City, New York, US
83 Win 53–6–20 (4) Tony Ross TKO 5 (6) Aug 7, 1908 22 years, 156 days Fairmont A.C., New York City, New York, US
82 Win 52–6–20 (4) John Willie KO 2 (10) Jul 21, 1908 22 years, 139 days Navarre A.C., New York City, New York, US
81 Win 51–6–20 (4) Jim Barry KO 3 (6) Jun 19, 1908 22 years, 107 days Fairmont A.C., New York City, New York, US
80 Win 50–6–20 (4) Sandy Ferguson PTS 12 May 19, 1908 22 years, 76 days Roanoke A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
79 Win 49–6–20 (4) Jim Barry KO 2 (12) Apr 7, 1908 22 years, 34 days Roanoke A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
78 Win 48–6–20 (4) Larry Temple PTS 8 Mar 11, 1908 22 years, 7 days Roanoke A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
77 Draw 47–6–20 (4) Joe Jennette PTS 12 Mar 3, 1908 21 years, 365 days Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, US
76 Win 47–6–19 (4) Black Fitzsimmons TKO 4 (6) Feb 10, 1908 21 years, 343 days Roanoke A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
75 Draw 46–6–19 (4) Jim Barry NWS 10 Jan 14, 1908 21 years, 316 days Pacific A.C., Los Angeles, California, US
74 Win 46–6–18 (4) Jim Barry PTS 10 Dec 17, 1907 21 years, 288 days Naud Junction Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, US
73 Win 45–6–18 (4) Young Peter Jackson PTS 20 Nov 12, 1907 21 years, 253 days Pacific A.C., Los Angeles, California, US Won vacant world colored middleweight title
72 Win 44–6–18 (4) Jim Barry NWS 10 Oct 15, 1907 21 years, 225 days Winnisimmet A.C., Chelsea, Massachusetts, US
71 Win 43–6–18 (4) Jim Barry NWS 6 Sep 25, 1907 21 years, 205 days Sharkey A.C., New York City, New York, US
70 Win 42–6–18 (4) Larry Temple NWS 10 Aug 27, 1907 21 years, 176 days Winnisimmet A.C., Chelsea, Massachusetts, US Vacant world colored middleweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
69 Win 41–6–18 (4) Geoff Thorne KO 1 (10) Jun 3, 1907 21 years, 91 days National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England
68 Win 40–6–18 (4) Tiger Smith KO 4 (20), 0:57 Apr 22, 1907 21 years, 49 days National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England Won vacant NSC British and Commonwealth middleweight titles
67 Win 39–6–18 (4) Kid Williams KO 6 (?) Jan 31, 1907 20 years, 333 days Rochester, New York, US
66 Draw 38–6–18 (4) Joe Jennette PTS 12 Jan 11, 1907 20 years, 313 days Unity Cycle Club, Lawrence, Massachusetts, US
65 Win 38–6–17 (4) George Gunther TKO 3 (?) Nov 29, 1906 20 years, 270 days Haverhill, Massachusetts, US
64 Win 37–6–17 (4) Young Peter Jackson PTS 15 Nov 21, 1906 20 years, 262 days Rochester, New York, US
63 Win 36–6–17 (4) George Gunther PTS 12 Nov 12, 1906 20 years, 253 days Valley Falls A.C., Valley Falls, Rhode Island, US
62 Loss 35–6–17 (4) Young Peter Jackson TKO 5 (?) Jun 13, 1906 20 years, 101 days Southbridge, Massachusetts, Massachusetts, US
61 Loss 35–5–17 (4) Jack Johnson PTS 15 Apr 26, 1906 20 years, 53 days Lincoln A.C., Chelsea, Massachusetts, US For world colored heavyweight title
60 Win 35–4–17 (4) Joe Jennette PTS 15 Apr 5, 1906 20 years, 32 days Lincoln A.C., Chelsea, Massachusetts, US
59 Win 34–4–17 (4) Black Fitzsimmons TKO 11 (?) Mar 19, 1906 20 years, 15 days Lakeside A.C., Webster, Massachusetts, US
58 Win 33–4–17 (4) Larry Temple KO 15 (15), 2:20 Mar 1, 1906 19 years, 362 days Lincoln A.C., Chelsea, Massachusetts, US
57 Loss 32–4–17 (4) Joe Jennette TKO 8 (12) Dec 25, 1905 19 years, 296 days Unity Cycle Club, Lawrence, Massachusetts, US Langford retired after round 8
56 NC 32–3–17 (4) Jack Blackburn NC 1 (6) Oct 7, 1905 19 years, 217 days National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US It was quickly evident that Langford and Blackburn
agreed to participate only if the fight was faked, so it was stopped
55 Draw 32–3–17 (3) Young Peter Jackson PTS 15 Sep 29, 1905 19 years, 209 days Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
54 Draw 32–3–16 (3) Jack Blackburn PTS 10 Sep 20, 1905 19 years, 200 days Lyric A.C., Allentown, Pennsylvania, US
53 Draw 32–3–15 (3) Larry Temple PTS 15 Sep 7, 1905 19 years, 187 days Highland A.C., Marlborough, Massachusetts, US
52 Win 32–3–14 (3) Jack Blackburn PTS 15 Aug 18, 1905 19 years, 167 days Leiperville, Pennsylvania, US
51 Loss 31–3–14 (3) Larry Temple PTS 15 Jul 4, 1905 19 years, 122 days Marlborough, Massachusetts, US
50 Win 31–2–14 (3) Young Peter Jackson PTS 15 Jun 16, 1905 19 years, 104 days Douglas A.C., Chelsea, Massachusetts, US
49 Win 30–2–14 (3) Young Peter Jackson PTS 15 May 26, 1905 19 years, 83 days Highland A.C., Marlborough, Massachusetts, US
48 Win 29–2–14 (3) Bogardus Hyde TKO 3 (15) May 16, 1905 19 years, 73 days Music Hall, Webster, Massachusetts, US
47 Win 28–2–14 (3) George Gunther PTS 12 Mar 13, 1905 19 years, 9 days Auditorium, Portland, Maine, US
46 NC 27–2–14 (3) George Cole NC 9 (15) Mar 3, 1905 18 years, 364 days Chelsea, Massachusetts, US The fight was called "no contest" because of a lack of action
45 Win 27–2–14 (2) Dave Holly NWS 15 Feb 13, 1905 18 years, 346 days Apollo A.C., Salem, Massachusetts, US
44 Win 26–2–14 (2) George Gunther TKO 11 (?) Jan 20, 1905 18 years, 322 days Douglas A.C., Chelsea, Massachusetts, US
43 Win 25–2–14 (2) Joe Reed KO 5 (12) Jan 16, 1905 18 years, 318 days Music Hall, Webster, Massachusetts, US
42 Win 24–2–14 (2) Joe Reed TKO 9 (?) Dec 22, 1904 18 years, 293 days Paper City A.C., Berlin, New Hampshire, US
41 Draw 23–2–14 (2) Jack Blackburn PTS 15 Dec 9, 1904 18 years, 280 days Marlborough Theater, Marlborough, Massachusetts, US
40 Win 23–2–13 (2) Tommy Sullivan TKO 3 (12) Nov 25, 1904 18 years, 266 days Highland A.C., Marlborough, Massachusetts, US
39 Win 22–2–13 (2) Andy Watson NWS 12 Nov 24, 1904 18 years, 265 days Music Hall, Webster, Massachusetts, US
38 Draw 21–2–13 (2) Dave Holly NWS 6 Nov 4, 1904 18 years, 245 days Manhattan A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
37 Draw 21–2–12 (2) Dave Holly PTS 15 Sep 30, 1904 18 years, 210 days Eureka A.C., Baltimore, Maryland, US
36 Draw 21–2–11 (2) Barbados Joe Walcott PTS 15 Sep 5, 1904 18 years, 185 days Lake Massabesic Coliseum, Manchester, New Hampshire, US For world welterweight title
35 Win 21–2–10 (2) George 'Elbows' McFadden TKO 2 (15) Jul 29, 1904 18 years, 147 days Manchester, New Hampshire, US
34 Loss 20–2–10 (2) Dave Holly PTS 10 Apr 11, 1904 18 years, 38 days Cambridge A.A., Cambridge, Massachusetts, US
33 Win 20–1–10 (2) Willie Lewis KO 2 (12) Feb 22, 1904 17 years, 355 days Warren A.C., New Bedford, Massachusetts, US
32 Win 19–1–10 (2) Charles Johnson TKO 5 (?) Feb 13, 1904 17 years, 346 days Central A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
31 Win 18–1–10 (2) Belfield Walcott NWS 6 Jan 27, 1904 17 years, 329 days Central A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
30 Draw 17–1–10 (2) Jack Blackburn NWS 6 Jan 11, 1904 17 years, 313 days Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
29 Draw 17–1–9 (2) Andy Watson PTS 12 Jan 6, 1904 17 years, 308 days North Street Rink, Salem, Massachusetts, US
28 Draw 17–1–8 (2) Jack Blackburn PTS 12 Dec 23, 1903 17 years, 294 days Central A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
27 Win 17–1–7 (2) Joe Gans PTS 15 Dec 8, 1903 17 years, 279 days Criterion A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
26 Win 16–1–7 (2) Joe Reed DQ 4 (?) Nov 28, 1903 17 years, 269 days Central A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US Reed threw Langford and was disqualified
25 Win 15–1–7 (2) Patsy Sweeney KO 12 (12), 2:38 Nov 20, 1903 17 years, 261 days Lenox A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
24 Win 14–1–7 (2) Arthur Cote TKO 5 (12) Oct 5, 1903 17 years, 215 days American A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
23 Win 13–1–7 (2) Shadow Morris PTS 12 Sep 15, 1903 17 years, 195 days Central A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
22 Win 12–1–7 (2) Kid Griffo PTS 12 Aug 28, 1903 17 years, 177 days Lenox A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
21 Win 11–1–7 (2) Belfield Walcott PTS 20 Jul 16, 1903 17 years, 134 days Saundersville Athletic Club, Scituate, Rhode Island, US
20 Loss 10–1–7 (2) Danny Duane PTS 12 Jun 26, 1903 17 years, 114 days Lenox A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
19 Win 10–0–7 (2) Walter Burgo TKO 8 (?) Jun 19, 1903 17 years, 107 days Lenox A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
18 Draw 9–0–7 (2) Andy Watson PTS 12 Jun 15, 1903 17 years, 103 days Gloucester A.C., Gloucester, Massachusetts, US
17 Win 9–0–6 (2) Tim Kearns TKO 2 (12) Jun 5, 1903 17 years, 93 days Lenox A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US Kearns quit with an arm injury
16 Draw 8–0–6 (2) Andy Watson PTS 12 May 29, 1903 17 years, 86 days Lenox A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
15 Win 8–0–5 (2) Chick Monahan KO 1 (10) May 26, 1903 17 years, 83 days Criterion A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
14 Win 7–0–5 (2) Billy Jordan PTS 6 May 25, 1903 17 years, 82 days Cambridge Athletic Club, Boston, Massachusetts, US
13 Draw 6–0–5 (2) Andy Watson PTS 10 May 8, 1903 17 years, 65 days Lenox A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US Pre-arranged draw if lasting the distance
12 ND 6–0–4 (2) Andy Watson ND 12 Apr 20, 1903 17 years, 47 days West End A.C., Lawrence, Massachusetts, US
11 Win 6–0–4 (1) Stonewall Allen PTS 6 Apr 16, 1903 17 years, 43 days Essex A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
10 Draw 5–0–4 (1) Stonewall Allen PTS 6 Apr 3, 1903 17 years, 30 days Lenox A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
9 Win 5–0–3 (1) John E. Butler PTS 6 Mar 26, 1903 17 years, 22 days Essex A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
8 Draw 4–0–3 (1) Johnny Johnson PTS 6 Mar 5, 1903 17 years, 1 day Essex A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
7 Win 4–0–2 (1) Sadler Jennings KO 2 (6) Mar 4, 1903 17 years, 0 days Highland Athletic Club, Chelsea, Massachusetts, US
6 Win 3–0–2 (1) Luther Manual PTS 10 Feb 27, 1903 16 years, 360 days Lenox A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
5 Draw 2–0–2 (1) Luther Manual PTS 6 Feb 6, 1903 16 years, 339 days Lenox A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
4 Draw 2–0–1 (1) Luther Manual PTS 4 Jan 23, 1903 16 years, 325 days Essex A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
3 ND 2–0 (1) Billy Chisholm ND 6 Jan 22, 1903 16 years, 324 days Lawrence, Massachusetts, US
2 Win 2–0 Arthur Pratt KO 1 (6) Jan 15, 1903 16 years, 317 days Essex A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
1 Win 1–0 Jack McVicker KO 5 (6) Apr 11, 1902 16 years, 38 days Lenox A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US

References edit

  1. ^ a b "BoxRec: Login".
  2. ^ "Sam Langford (1886-1956) •". January 21, 2007.
  3. ^ "Sam Langford". www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca. Retrieved February 18, 2024.
  4. ^ Mulvaney, Kieran (February 7, 2007). "The greatest fighter almost nobody knows". ESPN.
  5. ^ "Sam Langford, the Boston Terror".
  6. ^ "BoxRec ratings: Canada, pound-for-pound, active and inactive". BoxRec. Retrieved December 26, 2020.
  7. ^ a b Sam Langford: a Canadian Boxing Footnote (1883 -1956) secreteast.ca
  8. ^ "BOXING AT THE ROANOKES", The Boston Post, January 14, 1902, pg. 3
  9. ^ Heller, Peter (1973). "In This Corner...!": Forty World Champions Tell Their Stories. New York: Simon and Schuster. p. 58. ISBN 0671-21568-X.
  10. ^ The West Australian (Perth, WA: 1879–1954), Thursday 3 October 1912 pg 4
  11. ^ "LANGFORD LOSES IN GAME FIGHT", The Boston Journal, April 27, 1906, pg. 9.
  12. ^ "Sam Langford profile". thecanadianencyclopedia.ca. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  13. ^ "Sam Langford: History's Forgotten Boxer". May 14, 2008.
  14. ^ 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–". Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  15. ^ Rosero, Jessica. "Native sons and daughters North Hudson native and 20th century boxing sensation Joe Jeanette". Hudson Reporter. Archived from the original on April 9, 2016. Retrieved May 20, 2012.
  16. ^ World Colored Heavyweight Championship
  17. ^ "Battling Jim Johnson". BoxingRec. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
  18. ^ "Ontario Black History Society". January 3, 2012.
  19. ^ Tattrie, Jon (April 30, 2018). "Sidney Crosby to headline 'greatest sports dinner' in Nova Scotia". CBC Sports. Retrieved July 27, 2018.

Further reading edit

  • Laffoley, Steven (2013). Pulling No Punches: The Sam Langford Story. Pottersfield Press. ISBN 978-1897426500

External links edit

Titles in pretence
Vacant
Title last held by
Tom Sharkey
World Heavyweight Champion
NSC recognition

May 24, 1909
Vacant
Title next held by
George Godfrey
Preceded by World Colored Heavyweight Champion
September 6, 1909 – December 26, 1911
Succeeded by
Preceded by World Colored Heavyweight Champion
April 8, 1912 – May 1, 1914
Succeeded by
Preceded by World Colored Heavyweight Champion
November 26, 1914 – January 3, 1916
Succeeded by
Preceded by World Colored Heavyweight Champion
February 11, 1916 – January 25, 1917
Succeeded by
Preceded by World Colored Heavyweight Champion
May 2, 1917 – April 14, 1918
Succeeded by