George Dixon (boxer)

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George Dixon
Dixon, c. 1894
Born(1870-07-29)July 29, 1870
DiedJanuary 6, 1908(1908-01-06) (aged 37)
NationalityCanadian
Other namesLittle Chocolate
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 3+12 in (161 cm)
Reach66 in (168 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights163
Wins74
Wins by KO36
Losses30
Draws55
No contests6

George Dixon (July 29, 1870 – January 6, 1908) was a Canadian professional boxer. After winning the bantamweight title in 1892, he became the first ever black athlete to win a world championship in any sport; he was also the first Canadian-born boxing champion. Ring Magazine founder Nat Fleischer ranked Dixon as the #1 featherweight of all-time. He was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 1955, the Ring Magazine Hall of Fame in 1956 and the International Boxing Hall of Fame as a first-class inductee in 1990.[1] In 2018 he was named one of the greatest 15 athletes in Nova Scotia's history, ranking sixth.[2]

Boxing career[edit]

Dixon was born in Africville, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Known as "Little Chocolate" he stood 5 feet 3.5 inches (1.613 m) tall and weighed only 87 pounds (39 kg) when he began his professional boxing career. Dixon is widely credited for developing shadowboxing.[1]

Dixon claimed the world bantamweight title on May 10, 1888, after a bout with Tommy Spider Kelly,[3] and was officially considered the champion after knocking out Nunc Wallace of England in 18 rounds two years later on June 27, 1890.

On May 31 1891, Dixon retained his bantamweight crown by beating Cal McCarthy in 22 rounds and then moved up to the featherweight division where he won the World title by beating England's Fred Johnson. While he held the title, Dixon established a vaudeville troupe he called the "George Dixon Specialty Co." which toured Canada and the United States; it appeared at the Naylor Opera House in Terre Haute, Indiana, on November 8, 1894.

On October 4, 1897, he lost the title by decision in a rematch bout with Solly Smith, who he had previously defeated by seventh-round technical knockout.

In a close bout, he lost to the British featherweight champion Ben Jordan on July 1, 1898, at New York's Lenox Club in a classic twenty five round points decision by referee Charley White. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, "Dixon did the leading but unlike many of those who had previously met the little Colored fighter, Jordan went at him and mixed it all the time." The bout was close, and many believed a draw would have been a better decision. Jordan was down on his hands and knees in the seventh from a blow by Dixon, but the bout contained relatively few knockdowns and no counts. The bout ended with a flurry by Dixon, but the referee did not feel it adequate to award him the decision. The Chronicle actually believed Dixon had the edge in the fighting.[4] The Los Angeles Times also agreed the bout was close and that "Both men fought well and there was little to choose between them".[5][1]

Dixon was in talks to face champion Solly Smith in a third meeting, however, Smith lost the world title in a surprising upset against Dave Sullivan – the bout was stopped in the fifth round after Smith sustained a broken arm.[6] Dixon instead turned his attention to newly crowned champion Sullivan, and on November 11, 1898, he reclaimed the world featherweight title by decisively defeating him in a tenth round disqualification at New York City's Lenox Club. Sullivan had held the title only forty-six days.[7]

Terry McGovern

At the time of the fight the betting favored Dixon, but was close, and briefly went to even odds. For nine rounds in front of eight thousand spectators, Dixon had the advantage. In the final round, Sullivan's brother Jack walked into the ring twice to speak to Jimmy Coville the referee about the time remaining in the round, eventually causing Coville to end the fight, in frustration over Jack's infraction. Sullivan could have fought on, though he would have almost certainly lost the fight.[8]

Dixon lost his featherweight title in a 15-round decision to Abe Attell on October 28, 1901, though other sources credit his loss of the title to Terry McGovern on January 9, 1900.

By that time, he had moved to Boston, where he had family; it was a destination for other immigrants from Africville.

Not long after his last fight, Dixon died on January 6, 1908, in the alcohol ward of Bellevue Hospital. Dixon was living and begging on the streets of New York with no friends. Attempts by Dixon's fans to get Dixon back on his feet failed and the media reported the end was near for the former champion who had fallen on dark times. Dixon would tell doctors he had no friends except for former world heavyweight champion John L. Sullivan.[9] Part of his hospital bills for the illness that took his life was paid for by a charity boxing tournament put on January 23, 1908, at Bower's Minery Theatre in New York.[10] He is interred in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Boston, Massachusetts. A recreation and community centre adjacent Uniacke Square in Halifax is named in his honour. In 2021, Dixon was named a National Historic Person by the government of Canada, on the recommendation of the National Historic Sites and Monuments Board.[11] The commemorative plaque is located at Africville Museum, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Professional boxing record[edit]

All information in this section is derived from BoxRec,[12] unless otherwise stated.

Official record[edit]

140 fights 32 wins 30 losses
By knockout 0 6
By decision 29 23
By disqualification 3 1
Draws 57
No contests 8
Newspaper decisions/draws 13

All newspaper decisions are officially regarded as “no decision” bouts and are not counted as a win, loss or draw.

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
176 Loss 68–30–57 (21) Monk The Newsboy PTS 15 Dec 10, 1906 Standard A.C., Lymansville, Rhode Island, U.S.
175 Draw 68–29–57 (21) Billy Ryan PTS 12 May 21, 1906 Gloucester A.C., Gloucester, Massachusetts, U.S.
174 Draw 68–29–56 (21) Patsy Haley NWS 3 Jan 16, 1906 Cayler A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
173 Win 68–29–56 (20) Harry Shea KO 3 (?) Jan 4, 1906 Roman A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
172 Win 67–29–56 (20) Frank Howe NWS 3 Dec 28, 1905 Long Acre A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
171 Loss 67–29–56 (19) Harlem Tommy Murphy KO 2 (6) Sep 20, 1905 National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
170 Draw 67–28–56 (19) Joe Goodwin PTS 10 Jun 26, 1905 Labour Hall, Manchester, Lancashire, England
169 Win 67–28–55 (19) Alf Wood PTS 8 Jun 8, 1905 Cosmopolitan Sporting Club, Marylebone, London, England
168 Draw 66–28–55 (19) Dick Nelson PTS 10 May 28, 1905 Copenhagen, Denmark
167 Draw 66–28–54 (19) Bob White PTS 6 Apr 17, 1905 Corn Exchange, Bedford, Bedfordshire, England
166 Draw 66–28–53 (19) Darkey Haley PTS 6 Apr 15, 1905 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England
165 Draw 66–28–52 (19) Jack Foy PTS 15 Apr 6, 1905 Cosmopolitan Sporting Club, Marylebone, London, England
164 NC 66–28–51 (19) Jim Keith ND 3 Apr 1, 1905 Waverley Market, Edinburgh, Scotland No decision trial bout
163 Draw 66–28–51 (18) Cockney Cohen PTS 20 Mar 6, 1905 Norfolk Drill Hall, Sheffield, Yorkshire, England Billed English 8st 8lbs title
162 Win 66–28–50 (18) Stoker Stoodley TKO 5 (20) Feb 25, 1905 Volunteer Engineers Drill Hall, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England
161 Draw 65–28–50 (18) Darkey Haley PTS 6 Feb 18, 1905 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England
160 Loss 65–28–49 (18) Bob White PTS 6 Jan 30, 1905 Drill Hall, Guildford, Surrey, England
159 Draw 65–27–49 (18) Johnny Hughes PTS 8 Jan 6, 1905 Corn Exchange, Ashford, Kent, England
158 Draw 65–27–48 (18) Bob White PTS 6 Dec 23, 1904 Philharmonic Hall, Southampton, Hampshire, England
157 Draw 65–27–47 (18) Boss Edwards PTS 15 Nov 24, 1904 Cosmopolitan Sporting Club, Marylebone, London, England
156 Loss 65–27–46 (18) Owen Moran PTS 6 Oct 17, 1904 National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England
155 Loss 65–26–46 (18) Tommy Burns PTS 20 Apr 21, 1904 Liverpool Gymnastic Club, Liverpool, Merseyside, England
154 Draw 65–25–46 (18) George Moore PTS 6 Apr 9, 1904 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England
153 NC 65–25–45 (18) Spike Robson NC 11 (20) Mar 19, 1904 Ginnetts Circus, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, England The referee declared a no contest as Robson was suffering from a liver complaint
152 Loss 65–25–45 (17) Cockney Cohen PTS 15 Mar 7, 1904 Leeds and County Athletic Club, Leeds, Yorkshire, England
151 Draw 65–24–45 (17) Harry Mansfield PTS 20 Feb 22, 1904 Winter Gardens, Plymouth, Devon, England
150 Loss 65–24–44 (17) Jim Driscoll PTS 6 Feb 10, 1904 Bristol, Avon, England
149 Draw 65–23–44 (17) Johnny Summers PTS 6 Feb 6, 1904 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England
148 Win 65–23–43 (17) Cockney Cohen KO 8 (20) Jan 16, 1904 Ginnetts Circus, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, England Retained world 120lbs title claim
147 Draw 64–23–43 (17) Dai Morgan PTS 15 Dec 19, 1903 Ivor Athletic Club, Swansea, Wales
146 Win 64–23–42 (17) Cockney Cohen PTS 20 Dec 7, 1903 Ginnetts Circus, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, England Retained world 120lbs title claim
145 Win 63–23–42 (17) Pedlar Palmer PTS 20 Nov 9, 1903 Ginnetts Circus, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, England Claimed vacant world 120lbs title
144 Draw 62–23–42 (17) Charlie Lampey PTS 6 Oct 29, 1903 Public Hall, Barking Road, Canning Town, London, England
143 Loss 62–23–41 (17) Digger Stanley PTS 6 Oct 12, 1903 National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England
142 Win 62–22–41 (17) Jim Williams TKO 4 (6) Oct 10, 1903 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England
141 Draw 61–22–41 (17) Charlie Lampey PTS 6 Sep 29, 1903 London, England
140 NC 61–22–40 (17) Dave Wallace ND 6 Sep 28, 1903 Pretoria Gymnasium, Birmingham, West Midlands, England No decision trial bout
139 Draw 61–22–40 (16) Billy Barrett PTS 20 Sep 24, 1903 Liverpool Gymnastic Club, Liverpool, England
138 Draw 61–22–39 (16) Charlie Lampey PTS 6 Sep 14, 1903 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England
137 Win 61–22–38 (16) Harry Ware PTS 6 Aug 29, 1903 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England
136 Win 60–22–38 (16) Digger Stanley PTS 6 Aug 1, 1903 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England
135 Loss 59–22–38 (16) Pedlar Palmer PTS 8 Jun 27, 1903 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England
134 Draw 59–21–38 (16) 'Young' Harry Paul PTS 6 Jun 15, 1903 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England
133 Loss 59–21–37 (16) Jim Driscoll KO 5 (?) Jun 1, 1903 Wales Fight date, time and place not exact -- need source for this bout[citation needed]
132 Draw 59–20–37 (16) George Phalin PTS 15 May 25, 1903 Jem Mace's Gymnasium, Birmingham, West Midlands, England
131 Loss 59–20–36 (16) Spike Robson PTS 20 May 16, 1903 Ginnetts Circus, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, England
130 Loss 59–19–36 (16) Ben Jordan PTS 6 May 2, 1903 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England
129 Draw 59–18–36 (16) George Phalin PTS 15 Apr 16, 1903 Liverpool, Merseyside, England
128 Loss 59–18–35 (16) Spike Robson PTS 15 Apr 11, 1903 Ginnetts Circus, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, England
127 Win 59–17–35 (16) Jack Pearson KO 8 (?) Apr 6, 1903 Liverpool, Merseyside, England
126 Loss 58–17–35 (16) Fred Delaney PTS 6 Feb 28, 1903 Beresford Street Drill Hall, Woolwich, London, England
125 Draw 58–16–35 (16) Dave Wallace PTS 6 Feb 20, 1903 Birmingham, West Midlands, England Exact date unknown
124 Draw 58–16–34 (16) Harry Ware PTS 20 Feb 9, 1903 Corn Exchange, Northampton, Northamptonshire, England Billed world 116lbs title claim
123 Loss 58–16–33 (16) Jim Driscoll PTS 8 Jan 24, 1903 Theatre Royal, Cadoxton, Wales
122 NC 58–15–33 (16) Jim Courtney ND 6 Jan 19, 1903 Theater Royale, Cadoxton-Barry, Wales
121 Win 58–15–33 (15) Harry Smith KO 3 (6) Nov 15, 1902 Canterbury Theatre of Varieties, Lambeth, London, England
120 Draw 57–15–33 (15) Will Curley PTS 15 Sep 29, 1902 Standard Theatre, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, England
119 Loss 57–15–32 (15) Pedlar Palmer PTS 15 Sep 8, 1902 New National Athletic Club, Marylebone, London, England
118 Draw 57–14–32 (15) Tim Callahan NWS 6 Jun 30, 1902 Golden Gate A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
117 Loss 57–14–32 (14) Biz Mackey TKO 5 (10) Jun 10, 1902 Business Men's A.C., Findlay, Ohio, U.S.
116 Draw 57–13–32 (14) Eddie Lenny NWS 6 Jun 6, 1902 Armory Hall, Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.
115 Loss 57–13–32 (13) Danny Dougherty NWS 7 May 27, 1902 Globe A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
114 Draw 57–13–32 (12) Billy Ryan PTS 15 May 16, 1902 Dey's Rink, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
113 Win 57–13–31 (12) Chick Tucker PTS 20 Feb 13, 1902 National A.C., New Britain, Connecticut, U.S.
112 Loss 56–13–31 (12) Eddie Lenny TKO 9 (20) Jan 24, 1902 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
111 Draw 56–12–31 (12) Joe Tipman PTS 20 Jan 17, 1902 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
110 Loss 56–12–30 (12) Austin Rice PTS 20 Dec 19, 1901 Opera House, New London, Connecticut, U.S.
109 Loss 56–11–30 (12) Abe Attell PTS 15 Oct 28, 1901 West End A.C., Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.
108 Loss 56–10–30 (12) Benny Yanger PTS 15 Sep 26, 1901 Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.
107 Draw 56–9–30 (12) Abe Attell PTS 20 Sep 12, 1901 Grand Opera House, Cripple Creek, Colorado, U.S.
106 Draw 56–9–29 (12) Abe Attell PTS 10 Aug 23, 1901 Coliseum Hall, Denver, Colorado, U.S.
105 Loss 56–9–28 (12) Young Corbett II PTS 10 Aug 16, 1901 Coliseum Hall, Denver, Colorado, U.S. For Western featherweight championship
104 Draw 56–8–28 (12) Harry Lyons PTS 20 Feb 8, 1901 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
103 Loss 56–8–27 (12) Tommy Sullivan TKO 7 (25) Jul 31, 1901 Seaside A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
102 Loss 56–7–27 (12) Terry McGovern PTS 6 Jun 23, 1900 Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
101 Draw 56–6–27 (12) Benny Yanger PTS 6 Jun 12, 1900 Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
100 Loss 56–6–26 (12) Tim Callahan NWS 6 Jun 4, 1900 Penn Art Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
99 Loss 56–6–26 (11) Terry McGovern TKO 8 (25) Jan 9, 1900 Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, U.S. Lost world featherweight title
98 Win 56–5–26 (11) Eddie Lenny PTS 25 Nov 21, 1899 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world featherweight title
97 Win 55–5–26 (11) Will Curley PTS 25 Nov 2, 1899 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world featherweight title
96 Win 54–5–26 (11) Tim Callahan NWS 6 Oct 13, 1899 Industrial Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
95 Draw 54–5–26 (10) Eddie Santry PTS 20 Aug 11, 1899 Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world featherweight title
94 Win 54–5–25 (10) Eddie Santry PTS 6 Jul 14, 1899 Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
93 Win 53–5–25 (10) Tommy White PTS 20 Jul 11, 1899 Olympic A.C., Denver, Colorado, U.S. Retained world featherweight title
92 Win 52–5–25 (10) Sam Bolen KO 3 (25) Jul 3, 1899 Music Hall, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. Retained world featherweight title
91 Win 51–5–25 (10) Joe Bernstein PTS 25 Jun 2, 1899 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world featherweight title
90 Win 50–5–25 (10) Kid Broad PTS 20 May 15, 1899 Olympic A.C., Buffalo, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world featherweight title
89 Win 49–5–25 (10) Young Pluto KO 10 (25) Jan 17, 1899 Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world featherweight title
88 Win 48–5–25 (10) Oscar Gardner PTS 25 Nov 29, 1898 Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world featherweight title
87 Win 47–5–25 (10) Dave Sullivan DQ 10 (25) Nov 11, 1898 Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, U.S. Won world featherweight title
86 Win 46–5–25 (10) Joe Bernstein NWS 6 Sep 5, 1898 Arena A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
85 Win 46–5–25 (9) Jimmy Dunn NWS 6 Aug 29, 1898 Casino, Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S.
84 Loss 46–5–25 (8) Ben Jordan PTS 25 Jul 1, 1898 Lenox A.C., New York, New York, U.S.
83 Win 46–4–25 (8) Eddie Santry PTS 20 Jun 6, 1898 Lenox A.C., New York, New York, U.S.
82 Draw 45–4–25 (8) Tommy White PTS 20 Mar 31, 1898 Empire A.C., Syracuse, New York, U.S.
81 Loss 45–4–24 (8) Solly Smith PTS 20 Oct 4, 1897 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S. Lost world featherweight title
80 Draw 45–3–24 (8) Dal Hawkins PTS 20 Jul 23, 1897 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
79 Draw 45–3–23 (8) Kentucky Rosebud NWS 6 Jun 21, 1897 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
78 Win 45–3–23 (7) Johnny Griffin PTS 20 Apr 26, 1897 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
77 Win 44–3–23 (7) Frank Erne PTS 25 Mar 24, 1897 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Won world featherweight title
76 Draw 43–3–23 (7) Jack Downey PTS 20 Feb 15, 1897 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
75 Win 43–3–22 (7) Torpedo Billy Murphy KO 6 (20) Jan 22, 1897 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Billed World 120 lbs Featherweight Title claim
74 Loss 42–3–22 (7) Frank Erne PTS 20 Nov 27, 1896 Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, U.S. Lost world featherweight title;
Dixon continued to claim the title despite this title loss
73 Draw 42–2–22 (7) Tommy White PTS 20 Sep 25, 1896 Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world featherweight title
72 Draw 42–2–21 (7) Martin Flaherty PTS 20 Jun 16, 1896 West Newton Street Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
71 Win 42–2–20 (7) Charles Slusher PTS 4 (?) May 9, 1896 Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
70 Win 41–2–20 (7) Ellwood McCloskey PTS 4 (?) May 7, 1896 Globe Theater, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
69 Win 40–2–20 (7) Kentucky Rosebud NWS 4 May 4, 1896 Globe Theater, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
68 Win 40–2–20 (6) Jerry Marshall TKO 7 (?) Mar 17, 1896 Prescott A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
67 Draw 39–2–20 (6) Pedlar Palmer PTS 6 Jan 30, 1896 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
66 Draw 39–2–19 (6) Frank Erne PTS 10 Dec 5, 1895 New Manhattan A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
65 Draw 39–2–18 (6) Young Griffo PTS 10 Oct 28, 1895 Manhattan A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
64 Win 39–2–17 (6) Johnny Griffin PTS 25 Aug 27, 1895 West Newton Street Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
63 NC 38–2–17 (6) Mike Leonard DC 1 (?) Aug 19, 1895 Academy of Music, New York City, New York, U.S. Inspector Cortright broke up the fight and arrested both men
62 Win 38–2–17 (5) Tommy Connolly DQ 4 (25) Jul 31, 1895 Banta Hall, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. Connelly DQ'd after his cornerman
Howie Hodgkins tried to help him up after a knockdown
61 Win 37–2–17 (5) Charles Slusher PTS 4 (?) May 8, 1895 Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
60 Win 36–2–17 (5) Sam Bolen PTS 6 Mar 7, 1895 New York A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
59 Draw 35–2–17 (5) Young Griffo PTS 25 Jan 19, 1895 Seaside A.C., Coney Island, New York, U.S.
58 Draw 35–2–16 (5) Billy Whistler PTS 4 Dec 26, 1894 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Exact date unknown
57 Win 35–2–15 (5) Joe Flynn KO 4 (4) Oct 25, 1894 Opera House, Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.
56 Win 34–2–15 (5) Jim Othello KO 2 (?) Sep 20, 1894 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
55 Draw 33–2–15 (5) Young Griffo PTS 20 Jun 29, 1894 Casino, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
54 Win 33–2–14 (5) Robert J Heeney TKO 2 (?) Jan 4, 1894 Opera House, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, U.S.
53 Win 32–2–14 (5) Torpedo Billy Murphy DQ 3 (?) Dec 15, 1893 People's Theater, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S. After attempting to break a clinch 3rd round,
Murphy attacked the referee and began fighting him
52 Win 31–2–14 (5) Solly Smith TKO 7 (?) Sep 25, 1893 Coney Island A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world featherweight title
51 Loss 30–2–14 (5) Billy Plimmer PTS 4 Aug 22, 1893 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
50 Win 30–1–14 (5) Eddie Pierce TKO 3 (?) Aug 7, 1893 Coney Island A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world featherweight title
49 Draw 29–1–14 (5) Jack Downey PTS 4 Aug 1, 1893 Miners Theater, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Exact date unknown
48 Win 29–1–13 (5) Kentucky Rosebud NWS 4 Jul 1, 1893 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
47 Win 29–1–13 (4) Kentucky Rosebud PTS 4 Jun 30, 1893 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
46 Draw 28–1–13 (4) Jerry Barnett PTS 4 (?) Jun 17, 1893 Academy of Music, New York City, New York, U.S.
45 Win 28–1–12 (4) Edward Rossman TKO 1 (?) May 3, 1893 Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
44 Win 27–1–12 (4) Billy Nalley TKO 1 (?) May 2, 1893 Washington, D.C., U.S.
43 Draw 26–1–12 (4) George Siddons PTS 12 Mar 20, 1893 Coney Island A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
42 Win 26–1–11 (4) Leo Dobbins TKO 2 (?) Feb 24, 1893 Horticultural Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
41 Win 25–1–11 (4) Whitey Chadwick TKO 2 (?) Feb 23, 1893 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
40 Win 24–1–11 (4) Al Wright TKO 1 (?) Feb 22, 1893 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
39 Win 23–1–11 (4) Joe Reilly PTS ? (?) Feb 21, 1893 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
38 Win 22–1–11 (4) Buck Leary KO 1 (4) Feb 10, 1893 Miner's Bowery Theatre, New York City, New York, U.S.
37 Win 21–1–11 (4) Dick Mills KO 1 (?) Feb 7, 1893 New York City, New York, U.S.
36 Win 20–1–11 (4) Young Byrnes PTS 4 Feb 6, 1893 New York City, New York, U.S.
35 NC 19–1–11 (4) Eddie Daly ND ? (4) Feb 1, 1893 Miners 8th St Theater, New York City, New York, U.S.
34 NC 19–1–11 (3) George Strong ND 4 Jan 31, 1893 Miner's Bowery Theatre, New York City, New York, U.S.
33 Win 19–1–11 (2) Jim Keeley KO 3 (?) Dec 29, 1892 New York City, New York, U.S.
32 NC 18–1–11 (2) Kentucky Rosebud ND 4 Nov 18, 1892 New York City, New York, U.S.
31 Draw 18–1–11 (1) Kentucky Rosebud PTS 4 Nov 11, 1892 Lyceum Theater, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
30 Win 18–1–10 (1) William Bell TKO 2 (4) Nov 4, 1892 Howard Athenaeum, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
29 Draw 17–1–10 (1) Kentucky Rosebud PTS 4 Oct 29, 1892 Ariel A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
28 Win 17–1–9 (1) Jack Skelly KO 8 (?) Sep 6, 1892 Olympic Club, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. Retained world bantamweight title
27 Win 16–1–9 (1) Fred Johnson KO 14 (?) Jun 27, 1892 Coney Island Casino, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Won vacant world featherweight title
26 Win 15–1–9 (1) Abe Willis KO 5 (?) Jul 28, 1891 California A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S. Retained world bantamweight title
25 Win 14–1–9 (1) Martin Flaherty PTS 6 Apr 20, 1891 Battery D Armory, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
24 Win 13–1–9 (1) Cal McCarthy TKO 22 (?) Mar 31, 1891 Troy Bicycle Club, Troy, New York, U.S. Retained world featherweight title claim
23 Win 12–1–9 (1) Johnny Murphy KO 40 (?) Oct 23, 1890 Gladstone Club, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. Won world featherweight title claim
22 Win 11–1–9 (1) Nunc Wallace RTD 19 (30) Jun 27, 1890 New Pelican Club Gym, Soho, London, England Won inaugural world bantamweight title
21 Draw 10–1–9 (1) Cal McCarthy PTS 70 (?) Feb 7, 1890 Union AC, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. For American featherweight title;
Dixon claimed the world featherweight title
20 Win 10–1–8 (1) Eugene Hornbacher KO 2 (?) Dec 27, 1889 Hotel, New London, Connecticut, U.S. Claimed American 115lbs title
19 Win 9–1–8 (1) Mike Sullivan PTS 6 Dec 11, 1889 New Bedford, Massachusetts, U.S. Police intervened
18 Draw 8–1–8 (1) Hank Brennan PTS 26 Oct 14, 1889 Parnell A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
17 Loss 8–1–7 (1) George Wright DQ 2 (6) Jun 3, 1889 Parnell A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. Dixon struck Wright twice in the face after the bell and was DQ'd
16 Draw 8–0–7 (1) Patsy Kelley PTS 10 Mar 1, 1889 Putnam, Connecticut, U.S.
15 Win 8–0–6 (1) Patsy Kelley PTS 10 Jan 29, 1889 Pelican Club, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
14 Draw 7–0–6 (1) Hank Brennan PTS 15 Dec 28, 1888 Athenian Club, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
13 Draw 7–0–5 (1) Hank Brennan PTS 9 (7) Dec 4, 1888 Athenian Club, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
12 Draw 7–0–4 (1) Hank Brennan PTS 14 (12) Jun 21, 1888 Pelican Club, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. Bout scheduled for 12 rounds, but the referee called for two more
11 Win 7–0–3 (1) Jimmy Brackett KO 5 (6) Jun 13, 1888 Way Street Gymnasium, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
10 Win 6–0–3 (1) Bob Green NWS 6 Jun 7, 1888 Cribb Club, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
9 Draw 6–0–3 Tommy Spider Kelly PTS 9 (7) May 10, 1888 Athenian Club, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. Scheduled seven round spar allowed to run nine rounds because of interest
8 Draw 6–0–2 Tommy Doherty PTS 8 Apr 27, 1888 Way Street Gymnasium, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
7 Draw 6–0–1 Patsy Kelley PTS 15 Mar 21, 1888 Tremont A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 Ned Morris TKO 4 (7) Mar 10, 1888 Athenian Club, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Barney Finnegan PTS 7 Feb 17, 1888 Athenian Club, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Charlie Parton TKO 6 (10) Jan 20, 1888 Pelican Club, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Johnny Lyman TKO 5 (6) Jan 1, 1888 Larley A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Elias Hamilton PTS 8 Sep 21, 1887 Way Street Gymnasium, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Young Johnson KO 3 (?) Nov 1, 1886 Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Unofficial record[edit]

176 fights 75 wins 32 losses
By knockout 36 6
By decision 36 25
By disqualification 3 1
Draws 61
No contests 8

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

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
176 Loss 76–32–61 (8) Monk The Newsboy PTS 15 Dec 10, 1906 Standard A.C., Lymansville, Rhode Island, U.S.
175 Draw 76–31–61 (8) Billy Ryan PTS 12 May 21, 1906 Gloucester A.C., Gloucester, Massachusetts, U.S.
174 Draw 76–31–60 (8) Patsy Haley NWS 3 Jan 16, 1906 Cayler A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
173 Win 75–31–59 (8) Harry Shea KO 3 (?) Jan 4, 1906 Roman A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
172 Win 74–31–59 (8) Frank Howe NWS 3 Dec 28, 1905 Long Acre A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
171 Loss 73–31–59 (8) Harlem Tommy Murphy KO 2 (6) Sep 20, 1905 National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
170 Draw 73–30–59 (8) Joe Goodwin PTS 10 Jun 26, 1905 Labour Hall, Manchester, Lancashire, England
169 Win 73–30–58 (8) Alf Wood PTS 8 Jun 8, 1905 Cosmopolitan Sporting Club, Marylebone, London, England
168 Draw 72–30–58 (8) Dick Nelson PTS 10 May 28, 1905 Copenhagen, Denmark
167 Draw 72–30–57 (8) Bob White PTS 6 Apr 17, 1905 Corn Exchange, Bedford, Bedfordshire, England
166 Draw 72–30–56 (8) Darkey Haley PTS 6 Apr 15, 1905 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England
165 Draw 72–30–55 (8) Jack Foy PTS 15 Apr 6, 1905 Cosmopolitan Sporting Club, Marylebone, London, England
164 NC 72–30–54 (8) Jim Keith ND 3 Apr 1, 1905 Waverley Market, Edinburgh, Scotland No decision trial bout
163 Draw 72–30–54 (7) Cockney Cohen PTS 20 Mar 6, 1905 Norfolk Drill Hall, Sheffield, Yorkshire, England Billed English 8st 8lbs title
162 Win 72–30–53 (7) Stoker Stoodley TKO 5 (20) Feb 25, 1905 Volunteer Engineers Drill Hall, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England
161 Draw 71–30–53 (7) Darkey Haley PTS 6 Feb 18, 1905 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England
160 Loss 71–30–52 (7) Bob White PTS 6 Jan 30, 1905 Drill Hall, Guildford, Surrey, England
159 Draw 71–29–52 (7) Johnny Hughes PTS 8 Jan 6, 1905 Corn Exchange, Ashford, Kent, England
158 Draw 71–29–51 (7) Bob White PTS 6 Dec 23, 1904 Philharmonic Hall, Southampton, Hampshire, England
157 Draw 71–29–50 (7) Boss Edwards PTS 15 Nov 24, 1904 Cosmopolitan Sporting Club, Marylebone, London, England
156 Loss 71–29–49 (7) Owen Moran PTS 6 Oct 17, 1904 National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England
155 Loss 71–28–49 (7) Tommy Burns PTS 20 Apr 21, 1904 Liverpool Gymnastic Club, Liverpool, Merseyside, England
154 Draw 71–27–49 (7) George Moore PTS 6 Apr 9, 1904 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England
153 NC 71–27–48 (7) Spike Robson NC 11 (20) Mar 19, 1904 Ginnetts Circus, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, England The referee declared a no contest as Robson was suffering from a liver complaint
152 Loss 71–27–48 (6) Cockney Cohen PTS 15 Mar 7, 1904 Leeds and County Athletic Club, Leeds, Yorkshire, England
151 Draw 71–26–48 (6) Harry Mansfield PTS 20 Feb 22, 1904 Winter Gardens, Plymouth, Devon, England
150 Loss 71–26–47 (6) Jim Driscoll PTS 6 Feb 10, 1904 Bristol, Avon, England
149 Draw 71–25–47 (6) Johnny Summers PTS 6 Feb 6, 1904 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England
148 Win 71–25–46 (6) Cockney Cohen KO 8 (20) Jan 16, 1904 Ginnetts Circus, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, England Retained world 120lbs title claim
147 Draw 70–25–46 (6) Dai Morgan PTS 15 Dec 19, 1903 Ivor Athletic Club, Swansea, Wales
146 Win 70–25–45 (6) Cockney Cohen PTS 20 Dec 7, 1903 Ginnetts Circus, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, England Retained world 120lbs title claim
145 Win 69–25–45 (6) Pedlar Palmer PTS 20 Nov 9, 1903 Ginnetts Circus, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, England Claimed vacant world 120lbs title
144 Draw 68–25–45 (6) Charlie Lampey PTS 6 Oct 29, 1903 Public Hall, Barking Road, Canning Town, London, England
143 Loss 68–25–44 (6) Digger Stanley PTS 6 Oct 12, 1903 National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England
142 Win 68–24–44 (6) Jim Williams TKO 4 (6) Oct 10, 1903 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England
141 Draw 67–24–44 (6) Charlie Lampey PTS 6 Sep 29, 1903 London, England
140 NC 67–24–43 (6) Dave Wallace ND 6 Sep 28, 1903 Pretoria Gymnasium, Birmingham, West Midlands, England No decision trial bout
139 Draw 67–24–43 (5) Billy Barrett PTS 20 Sep 24, 1903 Liverpool Gymnastic Club, Liverpool, England
138 Draw 67–24–42 (5) Charlie Lampey PTS 6 Sep 14, 1903 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England
137 Win 67–24–41 (5) Harry Ware PTS 6 Aug 29, 1903 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England
136 Win 66–24–41 (5) Digger Stanley PTS 6 Aug 1, 1903 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England
135 Loss 65–24–41 (5) Pedlar Palmer PTS 8 Jun 27, 1903 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England
134 Draw 65–23–41 (5) 'Young' Harry Paul PTS 6 Jun 15, 1903 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England
133 Loss 65–23–40 (5) Jim Driscoll KO 5 (?) Jun 1, 1903 Wales Fight date, time and place not exact -- need source for this bout[citation needed]
132 Draw 65–22–40 (5) George Phalin PTS 15 May 25, 1903 Jem Mace's Gymnasium, Birmingham, West Midlands, England
131 Loss 65–22–39 (5) Spike Robson PTS 20 May 16, 1903 Ginnetts Circus, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, England
130 Loss 65–21–39 (5) Ben Jordan PTS 6 May 2, 1903 Wonderland, Whitechapel Road, Mile End, London, England
129 Draw 65–20–39 (5) George Phalin PTS 15 Apr 16, 1903 Liverpool, Merseyside, England
128 Loss 65–20–38 (5) Spike Robson PTS 15 Apr 11, 1903 Ginnetts Circus, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, England
127 Win 65–19–38 (5) Jack Pearson KO 8 (?) Apr 6, 1903 Liverpool, Merseyside, England
126 Loss 64–19–38 (5) Fred Delaney PTS 6 Feb 28, 1903 Beresford Street Drill Hall, Woolwich, London, England
125 Draw 64–18–38 (5) Dave Wallace PTS 6 Feb 20, 1903 Birmingham, West Midlands, England Exact date unknown
124 Draw 64–18–37 (5) Harry Ware PTS 20 Feb 9, 1903 Corn Exchange, Northampton, Northamptonshire, England Billed world 116lbs title claim
123 Loss 64–18–36 (5) Jim Driscoll PTS 8 Jan 24, 1903 Theatre Royal, Cadoxton, Wales
122 NC 64–17–36 (5) Jim Courtney ND 6 Jan 19, 1903 Theater Royale, Cadoxton-Barry, Wales
121 Win 64–17–36 (4) Harry Smith KO 3 (6) Nov 15, 1902 Canterbury Theatre of Varieties, Lambeth, London, England
120 Draw 63–17–36 (4) Will Curley PTS 15 Sep 29, 1902 Standard Theatre, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, England
119 Loss 63–17–35 (4) Pedlar Palmer PTS 15 Sep 8, 1902 New National Athletic Club, Marylebone, London, England
118 Draw 63–16–35 (4) Tim Callahan NWS 6 Jun 30, 1902 Golden Gate A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
117 Loss 63–16–34 (4) Biz Mackey TKO 5 (10) Jun 10, 1902 Business Men's A.C., Findlay, Ohio, U.S.
116 Draw 63–15–34 (4) Eddie Lenny NWS 6 Jun 6, 1902 Armory Hall, Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.
115 Loss 63–15–33 (4) Danny Dougherty NWS 7 May 27, 1902 Globe A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
114 Draw 63–14–33 (4) Billy Ryan PTS 15 May 16, 1902 Dey's Rink, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
113 Win 63–14–32 (4) Chick Tucker PTS 20 Feb 13, 1902 National A.C., New Britain, Connecticut, U.S.
112 Loss 62–14–32 (4) Eddie Lenny TKO 9 (20) Jan 24, 1902 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
111 Draw 62–13–32 (4) Joe Tipman PTS 20 Jan 17, 1902 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
110 Loss 62–13–31 (4) Austin Rice PTS 20 Dec 19, 1901 Opera House, New London, Connecticut, U.S.
109 Loss 62–12–31 (4) Abe Attell PTS 15 Oct 28, 1901 West End A.C., Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.
108 Loss 62–11–31 (4) Benny Yanger PTS 15 Sep 26, 1901 Saint Louis, Missouri, U.S.
107 Draw 62–10–31 (4) Abe Attell PTS 20 Sep 12, 1901 Grand Opera House, Cripple Creek, Colorado, U.S.
106 Draw 62–10–30 (4) Abe Attell PTS 10 Aug 23, 1901 Coliseum Hall, Denver, Colorado, U.S.
105 Loss 62–10–29 (4) Young Corbett II PTS 10 Aug 16, 1901 Coliseum Hall, Denver, Colorado, U.S. For Western featherweight championship
104 Draw 62–9–29 (4) Harry Lyons PTS 20 Feb 8, 1901 Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
103 Loss 62–9–28 (4) Tommy Sullivan TKO 7 (25) Jul 31, 1901 Seaside A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
102 Loss 62–8–28 (4) Terry McGovern PTS 6 Jun 23, 1900 Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
101 Draw 62–7–28 (4) Benny Yanger PTS 6 Jun 12, 1900 Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
100 Loss 62–7–27 (4) Tim Callahan NWS 6 Jun 4, 1900 Penn Art Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
99 Loss 62–6–27 (4) Terry McGovern TKO 8 (25) Jan 9, 1900 Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, U.S. Lost world featherweight title
98 Win 62–5–27 (4) Eddie Lenny PTS 25 Nov 21, 1899 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world featherweight title
97 Win 61–5–27 (4) Will Curley PTS 25 Nov 2, 1899 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world featherweight title
96 Win 60–5–27 (4) Tim Callahan NWS 6 Oct 13, 1899 Industrial Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
95 Draw 59–5–27 (4) Eddie Santry PTS 20 Aug 11, 1899 Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world featherweight title
94 Win 59–5–26 (4) Eddie Santry PTS 6 Jul 14, 1899 Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
93 Win 58–5–26 (4) Tommy White PTS 20 Jul 11, 1899 Olympic A.C., Denver, Colorado, U.S. Retained world featherweight title
92 Win 57–5–26 (4) Sam Bolen KO 3 (25) Jul 3, 1899 Music Hall, Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. Retained world featherweight title
91 Win 56–5–26 (4) Joe Bernstein PTS 25 Jun 2, 1899 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world featherweight title
90 Win 55–5–26 (4) Kid Broad PTS 20 May 15, 1899 Olympic A.C., Buffalo, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world featherweight title
89 Win 54–5–26 (4) Young Pluto KO 10 (25) Jan 17, 1899 Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world featherweight title
88 Win 53–5–26 (4) Oscar Gardner PTS 25 Nov 29, 1898 Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world featherweight title
87 Win 52–5–26 (4) Dave Sullivan DQ 10 (25) Nov 11, 1898 Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, U.S. Won world featherweight title
86 Win 51–5–26 (4) Joe Bernstein NWS 6 Sep 5, 1898 Arena A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
85 Win 50–5–26 (4) Jimmy Dunn NWS 6 Aug 29, 1898 Casino, Fall River, Massachusetts, U.S.
84 Loss 49–5–26 (4) Ben Jordan PTS 25 Jul 1, 1898 Lenox A.C., New York, New York, U.S.
83 Win 49–4–26 (4) Eddie Santry PTS 20 Jun 6, 1898 Lenox A.C., New York, New York, U.S.
82 Draw 48–4–26 (4) Tommy White PTS 20 Mar 31, 1898 Empire A.C., Syracuse, New York, U.S.
81 Loss 48–4–25 (4) Solly Smith PTS 20 Oct 4, 1897 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S. Lost world featherweight title
80 Draw 48–3–25 (4) Dal Hawkins PTS 20 Jul 23, 1897 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, U.S.
79 Draw 48–3–24 (4) Kentucky Rosebud NWS 6 Jun 21, 1897 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
78 Win 48–3–23 (4) Johnny Griffin PTS 20 Apr 26, 1897 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
77 Win 47–3–23 (4) Frank Erne PTS 25 Mar 24, 1897 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Won world featherweight title
76 Draw 46–3–23 (4) Jack Downey PTS 20 Feb 15, 1897 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
75 Win 46–3–22 (4) Torpedo Billy Murphy KO 6 (20) Jan 22, 1897 Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Billed World 120lbs featherweight title claim
74 Loss 45–3–22 (4) Frank Erne PTS 20 Nov 27, 1896 Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, U.S. Lost world featherweight title;
Dixon continued to claim the title despite this title loss
73 Draw 45–2–22 (4) Tommy White PTS 20 Sep 25, 1896 Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world featherweight title
72 Draw 45–2–21 (4) Martin Flaherty PTS 20 Jun 16, 1896 West Newton Street Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
71 Win 45–2–20 (4) Charles Slusher PTS 4 (?) May 9, 1896 Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
70 Win 44–2–20 (4) Ellwood McCloskey PTS 4 (?) May 7, 1896 Globe Theater, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
69 Win 43–2–20 (4) Kentucky Rosebud NWS 4 May 4, 1896 Globe Theater, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
68 Win 42–2–20 (4) Jerry Marshall TKO 7 (?) Mar 17, 1896 Prescott A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
67 Draw 41–2–20 (4) Pedlar Palmer PTS 6 Jan 30, 1896 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
66 Draw 41–2–19 (4) Frank Erne PTS 10 Dec 5, 1895 New Manhattan A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
65 Draw 41–2–18 (4) Young Griffo PTS 10 Oct 28, 1895 Manhattan A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
64 Win 41–2–17 (4) Johnny Griffin PTS 25 Aug 27, 1895 West Newton Street Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
63 NC 40–2–17 (4) Mike Leonard DC 1 (?) Aug 19, 1895 Academy of Music, New York City, New York, U.S. Inspector Cortright broke up the fight and arrested both men
62 Win 40–2–17 (3) Tommy Connolly DQ 4 (25) Jul 31, 1895 Banta Hall, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. Connelly DQ'd after his cornerman
Howie Hodgkins tried to help him up after a knockdown
61 Win 39–2–17 (3) Charles Slusher PTS 4 (?) May 8, 1895 Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
60 Win 38–2–17 (3) Sam Bolen PTS 6 Mar 7, 1895 New York A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
59 Draw 37–2–17 (3) Young Griffo PTS 25 Jan 19, 1895 Seaside A.C., Coney Island, New York, U.S.
58 Draw 37–2–16 (3) Billy Whistler PTS 4 Dec 26, 1894 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Exact date unknown
57 Win 37–2–15 (3) Joe Flynn KO 4 (4) Oct 25, 1894 Opera House, Wilmington, Delaware, U.S.
56 Win 36–2–15 (3) Jim Othello KO 2 (?) Sep 20, 1894 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
55 Draw 35–2–15 (3) Young Griffo PTS 20 Jun 29, 1894 Casino, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
54 Win 35–2–14 (3) Robert J Heeney TKO 2 (?) Jan 4, 1894 Opera House, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, U.S.
53 Win 34–2–14 (3) Torpedo Billy Murphy DQ 3 (?) Dec 15, 1893 People's Theater, Paterson, New Jersey, U.S. After attempting to break a clinch 3rd round,
Murphy attacked the referee and began fighting him
52 Win 33–2–14 (3) Solly Smith TKO 7 (?) Sep 25, 1893 Coney Island A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world featherweight title
51 Loss 32–2–14 (3) Billy Plimmer PTS 4 Aug 22, 1893 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
50 Win 32–1–14 (3) Eddie Pierce TKO 3 (?) Aug 7, 1893 Coney Island A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained world featherweight title
49 Draw 31–1–14 (3) Jack Downey PTS 4 Aug 1, 1893 Miners Theater, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Exact date unknown
48 Win 31–1–13 (3) Kentucky Rosebud NWS 4 Jul 1, 1893 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
47 Win 30–1–13 (3) Kentucky Rosebud PTS 4 Jun 30, 1893 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
46 Draw 29–1–13 (3) Jerry Barnett PTS 4 (?) Jun 17, 1893 Academy of Music, New York City, New York, U.S.
45 Win 29–1–12 (3) Edward Rossman TKO 1 (?) May 3, 1893 Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
44 Win 28–1–12 (3) Billy Nalley TKO 1 (?) May 2, 1893 Washington, D.C., U.S.
43 Draw 27–1–12 (3) George Siddons PTS 12 Mar 20, 1893 Coney Island A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
42 Win 27–1–11 (3) Leo Dobbins TKO 2 (?) Feb 24, 1893 Horticultural Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
41 Win 26–1–11 (3) Whitey Chadwick TKO 2 (?) Feb 23, 1893 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
40 Win 25–1–11 (3) Al Wright TKO 1 (?) Feb 22, 1893 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
39 Win 24–1–11 (3) Joe Reilly PTS ? (?) Feb 21, 1893 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
38 Win 23–1–11 (3) Buck Leary KO 1 (4) Feb 10, 1893 Miner's Bowery Theatre, New York City, New York, U.S.
37 Win 22–1–11 (3) Dick Mills KO 1 (?) Feb 7, 1893 New York City, New York, U.S.
36 Win 21–1–11 (3) Young Byrnes PTS 4 Feb 6, 1893 New York City, New York, U.S.
35 NC 20–1–11 (3) Eddie Daly ND ? (4) Feb 1, 1893 Miners 8th St Theater, New York City, New York, U.S.
34 NC 20–1–11 (2) George Strong ND 4 Jan 31, 1893 Miner's Bowery Theatre, New York City, New York, U.S.
33 Win 20–1–11 (1) Jim Keeley KO 3 (?) Dec 29, 1892 New York City, New York, U.S.
32 NC 19–1–11 (1) Kentucky Rosebud ND 4 Nov 18, 1892 New York City, New York, U.S.
31 Draw 19–1–11 Kentucky Rosebud PTS 4 Nov 11, 1892 Lyceum Theater, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
30 Win 19–1–10 William Bell TKO 2 (4) Nov 4, 1892 Howard Athenaeum, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
29 Draw 18–1–10 Kentucky Rosebud PTS 4 Oct 29, 1892 Ariel A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
28 Win 18–1–9 Jack Skelly KO 8 (?) Sep 6, 1892 Olympic Club, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. Retained world bantamweight title
27 Win 17–1–9 Fred Johnson KO 14 (?) Jun 27, 1892 Coney Island Casino, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Won vacant world featherweight title
26 Win 16–1–9 Abe Willis KO 5 (?) Jul 28, 1891 California A.C., San Francisco, California, U.S. Retained world bantamweight title
25 Win 15–1–9 Martin Flaherty PTS 6 Apr 20, 1891 Battery D Armory, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
24 Win 14–1–9 Cal McCarthy TKO 22 (?) Mar 31, 1891 Troy Bicycle Club, Troy, New York, U.S. Retained world featherweight title claim
23 Win 13–1–9 Johnny Murphy KO 40 (?) Oct 23, 1890 Gladstone Club, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S. Won world featherweight title claim
22 Win 12–1–9 Nunc Wallace RTD 19 (30) Jun 27, 1890 New Pelican Club Gym, Soho, London, England Won inaugural world bantamweight title
21 Draw 11–1–9 Cal McCarthy PTS 70 (?) Feb 7, 1890 Union AC, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. For American featherweight title;
Dixon claimed the world featherweight title
20 Win 11–1–8 Eugene Hornbacher KO 2 (?) Dec 27, 1889 Hotel, New London, Connecticut, U.S. Claimed American 115lbs title
19 Win 10–1–8 Mike Sullivan PTS 6 Dec 11, 1889 New Bedford, Massachusetts, U.S. Police intervened
18 Draw 9–1–8 Hank Brennan PTS 26 Oct 14, 1889 Parnell A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
17 Loss 9–1–7 George Wright DQ 2 (6) Jun 3, 1889 Parnell A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. Dixon struck Wright twice in the face after the bell and was DQ'd
16 Draw 9–0–7 Patsy Kelley PTS 10 Mar 1, 1889 Putnam, Connecticut, U.S.
15 Win 9–0–6 Patsy Kelley PTS 10 Jan 29, 1889 Pelican Club, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
14 Draw 8–0–6 Hank Brennan PTS 15 Dec 28, 1888 Athenian Club, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
13 Draw 8–0–5 Hank Brennan PTS 9 (7) Dec 4, 1888 Athenian Club, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
12 Draw 8–0–4 Hank Brennan PTS 14 (12) Jun 21, 1888 Pelican Club, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. Bout scheduled for 12 rounds, but the referee called for two more
11 Win 8–0–3 Jimmy Brackett KO 5 (6) Jun 13, 1888 Way Street Gymnasium, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
10 Win 7–0–3 Bob Green NWS 6 Jun 7, 1888 Cribb Club, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
9 Draw 6–0–3 Tommy Spider Kelly PTS 9 (7) May 10, 1888 Athenian Club, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. Scheduled seven round spar allowed to run nine rounds because of interest
8 Draw 6–0–2 Tommy Doherty PTS 8 Apr 27, 1888 Way Street Gymnasium, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
7 Draw 6–0–1 Patsy Kelley PTS 15 Mar 21, 1888 Tremont A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 Ned Morris TKO 4 (7) Mar 10, 1888 Athenian Club, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Barney Finnegan PTS 7 Feb 17, 1888 Athenian Club, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Charlie Parton TKO 6 (10) Jan 20, 1888 Pelican Club, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Johnny Lyman TKO 5 (6) Jan 1, 1888 Larley A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Elias Hamilton PTS 8 Sep 21, 1887 Way Street Gymnasium, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Young Johnson KO 3 (?) Nov 1, 1886 Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c "George Dixon", Cyber Boxing Encyclopedia
  2. ^ Tattrie, Jon (30 April 2018). "Sidney Crosby to headline 'greatest sports dinner' in Nova Scotia". CBC Sports. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
  3. ^ Sugar, Bert (2006). Boxing's Greatest Fighters.
  4. ^ "Referee and Sports Disagree", San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco, California, pg. 5, 2 July 1898
  5. ^ "Donated by Dixon", The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, California, pg. 4, 2 July 1898
  6. ^ "Los Angeles Herald 27 December 1897 — California Digital Newspaper Collection".
  7. ^ "Birthday of Dave Sullivan", The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, pg. 13, 10 May 1919
  8. ^ "George Dixon the Winner", The Record Union, Sacramento, California, pg. 1, 12 November 1898
  9. ^ March 6, 2015, By Adam StockerIn Boxing, Sports, Uncategorized
  10. ^ "Little Chocolate Greatest Boxer of Old Feathers", The San Francisco Call, San Francisco, California, pg. 29, 17 August 1913
  11. ^ Government of Canada honours innovative Black athlete with historic designation, Parks Canada news release, Dec. 21, 2021
  12. ^ "Please login".

Further reading[edit]

Laffoley, Steven (2012). Shadowboxing: The Rise and Fall of George Dixon. Pottersfield Press. ISBN 978-1897426449

External links[edit]

Achievements
Inaugural Champion World Bantamweight Champion
June 27, 1890 – 1891
Abandoned
Vacant
Title next held by
Jimmy Barry
Vacant
Title last held by
Young Griffo
World Featherweight Champion
June 27, 1892 – October 4, 1897
Succeeded by
Preceded by World Featherweight Champion
November 11, 1898 – January 9, 1900
Succeeded by