Born
Joseph Gant
Died
Nationality
Other names
Old Master
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height
5 ft6+1⁄2 in (1.69 m)
Reach
71 in (180 cm)
Stance
Boxing record
Total fights
197
Wins
157
Wins by KO
100
Losses
12
Draws
22
No contests
6
Joe Gans (born Joseph Gant; November 25, 1874 – August 10, 1910) was an American professional boxer. Gans was rated the greatest lightweight boxer of all time by boxing historian and Ring Magazine founder Nat Fleischer. Known as the "Old Master," Gans became the first African-American world boxing champion of the 20th century, reigning continuously as world lightweight champion from 1902 to 1908, defending the title 15 times against 13 other boxers.[1] He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
Gans started boxing professionally in early 1891. Starting in Baltimore, he gained many fans within the boxing world, both white and black alike, with his "scientific" approach to fighting.[2]
Unlike the more brutish and adrenaline-fueled fighting styles prevalent at the time, Gans' fighting method involved learning an opponent's strengths and weaknesses to compete with a game plan. He fought through much adversity and unfair stipulations for certain fights. On three separate occasions in 1895, he had to fight an extra round after going the distance. In a fight versus Johnny Van Heest, Gans had Van Heest whipped to a standstill in the eighth round, but Mr. Daniel Carr, the referee, ordered an extra round. Though Van Heest had none the best of the last round, he was given the decision.[citation needed] Against Bobby Dobbs, "Gans had to stop Dobbs in 10 rounds or get the loser's end of the purse (25 percent) and also had to pay Dobbs $50 for every round after 10th that the latter was able to stay. Dobbs asked his seconds to throw up the sponge in the middle of the 14th round, claiming a sore hand. Dobbs was down repeatedly, either from knockdowns or going down on his own."[3] In Gans' fight with Buddy King in 1903, they fought in "drizzling rain."[3]
A slender man, never weighing over 137 pounds, Gans frequently fought heavier boxers, thus adding to the legend of his scientific fighting technique.[4] He became known as a true student of the sport, earning him the nickname “Old Master.”
On January 7, 1895, after knocking out Samuel Allen in three rounds, Allen's second, Bud Brown, immediately challenged Gans. Not backing down from a fight, Gans accepted and outpointed Brown in a 10-round points decision.
On March 3, 1900, at the Broadway Athletic Club in New York, Gans quit with an eye injury in the twelfth round and lost via TKO while challenging lightweight champion Frank Erne in Gans' first title fight.
However, in their rematch two years later at the International A.C. in Fort Erie, Ontario, Gans knocked Erne out in one round to convincingly take the world lightweight title. "In the exchange, Gans got both hands to head, and Erne seemed a trifle dazed. Gans felt him out with a left shove to the face, drawing blood to nose. Erne seemed dazed, and Gans rushed and exchanged, putting right plump on Erne's jaw. Erne fell slowly to the floor with his mouth and nose bleeding, rolled over on his stomach, and was counted out before he could attempt to regain his feet."[3] Gans had thus become the first-ever U.S.-born African-American boxing champion. (Canadian-born black George Dixon had won the world bantamweight title in 1892,[5] and Barbados Joe Walcott had won the world welterweight title in 1901,[6] but neither of them was U.S.-born.) Gans reigned as champion from 1902 to 1908.
On January 6, 1902, Gans defeated the former world welterweight champion, Canadian-born Eddie Connolly, in a five-round bout at the Washington Sports Club in Philadelphia.
One reporter noted that Connolly "did nothing but hug and wrestle, adding variety to his performance in the third by deliberately trying to butt the Baltimorean [Gans]." The reporter also noted that Connolly clinched frequently and "wrestled" rather than boxed, probably to protect himself from Gans' fierce assaults. By the time the referee ended the bout in the fifth round, Connolly had been "rendered practically helpless" by the powerful punching of Gans.[7]
Gans also defended his Lightweight World Title against other talented boxers such as Steve Crosby and Gus Gardiner. There was also Charley Sieger, Kid McPartland, Rufe Turner, Charles "Elbows" McFadden, and Frank Erne.
In an important title defense, he defeated the "Durable Dane" Oscar "Battling" Nelson in 42 rounds on September 3, 1906, in Goldfield, Nevada. This blockbuster fight, arranged by legendary promoter Tex Rickard, would eventually be honored with a historic memorial.
On September 15, 1905, Gans fought to a 15-round prearranged draw[clarification needed] with future Welterweight World Championship claimant Mike "Twin" Sullivan. Most people reporting on the fights believed that Sullivan deserved the decision. In an immediate rematch, he defeated Sullivan by knockout on January 19 and March 17, 1906, in San Francisco and Los Angeles and again in March of the same year.
Although the bout was recorded as a Welterweight Title match and thus supposedly had a weight limit of around 142 pounds (which was estimated to be Sullivan's weigh-in[3]), Gans' weigh-in was estimated to have been 134 pounds.[3] Gans' defeat of the heavier Sullivan, a strong puncher by reputation, showed his mastery in the ring. In this well-attended bout, Gans share of the gate was a considerable $2,425.20, and Sullivan's was $1,616.80. Gans reportedly had bet another $1,700 on himself.[3]
Gans and Battling Nelson fought for the World Lightweight title twice in Colma, California: first on July 4 and again on September 9 of 1908. Gans lost the first fight by knockout in the 17th round of 45, ending his multi-year reign as champion; he lost the rematch via KO in the 21st round of 45.[8]
On September 30, 1904, Gans fought to a 20-round draw against Barbados Joe Walcott. "The San Francisco Chronicle reported that Walcott damaged ligaments in his left arm and that it was 'useless from the 4th round on.' It was announced before the fight that no title was at stake. Referee Jack Welch gave 7 rounds to Gans, 5 to Walcott, with 8 even, but thought that Walcott's aggressiveness compensated Gans' advantage in cleverness. Shortly after this fight, Walcott accidentally shot himself in the hand and was out of action until January 1906."[3]
Joe Gans died on August 10, 1910, of tuberculosis, at the age of 35. He is buried in Mount Auburn Cemetery in Baltimore. His monument is maintained by the International Boxing Commission and sits just to the left of the main entrance of the cemetery.
It reads: "I was born in the city of Baltimore in the year 1874, and it might be well to state at this time that my right name is Joseph Gant, not Gans. However, when I became an object of newspaper publicity, some reporter made a mistake and my name appeared as Joe Gans, and as Joe Gans it remained ever since."
Gans had a final professional record of 145 wins with 100 knockouts, 10 losses, 16 draws, 6 no contests and 19 no decisions (Newspaper Decisions: 13-2-4). He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.[9]
A bronze statue of Joe Gans stands on the suite floor at Madison Square Garden, having previously been outside of the locker rooms. Boxers would traditionally bump the statue's outstretched left fist for good luck before matches.[10]
Gans’ legendary fight with Battling Nelson on September 3, 1906, was commemorated with a memorial located in Goldfield, Nevada, at the site of the fight.[11]
Gans was the first African-American to win a World Boxing Championship and the first to win a Lightweight Boxing title. Gans' achievements not only set new records, but gave African Americans hope in the early twentieth century. In a time of racial segregation, champion Joe Gans somehow emerged victorious.[12]
Gans was rated the greatest Lightweight boxer of all-time by boxing historian and Ring Magazine founder Nat Fleischer.[citation needed]
One boxing historian writes of Gans: "Through his ring accomplishments, Gans put into action what others could only theorize. The articulation of the black quest for social equality reached large audiences through the pulpits, and the most authoritative sermons were published in newspapers and religious quarterlies."[13][clarification needed]
The Gans-Nelson battle in Colma, California, was the subject of a four-reel motion picture that played in major cities around the country.[citation needed]
Ernest Hemingway utilized Joe Gans as a character in his 1916 short story "A Matter of Colour."[14] This early story set the stage for Hemingway's 1927 parable "The Killers."[15]
All information in this section is derived from BoxRec[3] unless otherwise stated.
199 fights
147 wins
10 losses
By knockout
101
5
By decision
39
5
By disqualification
7
0
Draws
16
No contests
6
20
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
Location
Notes
199
Win
147–10–16 (26)
Jabez White
NWS
10
Mar 12, 1909
National S.C., New York City, New York, US
198
Loss
147–10–16 (25)
KO
21 (45)
Sep 9, 1908
Mission Street Arena, Colma, California, US
For world lightweight title
197
Loss
147–9–16 (25)
KO
17 (45)
Jul 4, 1908
Mission Street Arena, Colma, California, US
Lost world lightweight title
196
Win
147–8–16 (25)
Rudy Unholz
TKO
11 (20)
May 14, 1908
Coliseum, San Francisco, California, US
Retained world lightweight title
195
Win
146–8–16 (25)
Frank 'Spike' Robson
TKO
3 (6), 2:25
Apr 1, 1908
National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
194
Win
145–8–16 (25)
Bob Blackburn
KO
3 (5)
Jan 3, 1908
Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
193
Win
144–8–16 (25)
George Memsic
PTS
20
Sep 27, 1907
Naud Junction Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, US
Retained world lightweight title
192
Win
143–8–16 (25)
TKO
6 (20)
Sep 9, 1907
Recreation Park, San Francisco, California, US
Retained world lightweight title
191
Win
142–8–16 (25)
Kid Herman
KO
8 (?)
Jan 1, 1907
Casino A.C. Arena, Tonopah, California, US
Retained world lightweight title
190
Win
141–8–16 (25)
DQ
42 (
Sep 3, 1906
Casino Amphitheatre, Goldfield, Nevada, US
Retained world lightweight title;
A fight to the finish
189
Win
140–8–16 (25)
Dave Holly
PTS
20
Jul 23, 1906
Pleasant Beach, Bainbridge Island, Washington, US
Retained world lightweight title
188
Win
139–8–16 (25)
NWS
6
Jun 29, 1906
National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
187
Draw
139–8–16 (24)
NWS
6
Jun 15, 1906
National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
186
Loss
139–8–16 (23)
NWS
6
May 18, 1906
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
185
Win
139–8–16 (22)
TKO
10 (20)
Mar 17, 1906
Chutes Park, Los Angeles, California, US
Retained world welterweight title claim at 142 lbs;
Police stopped the fight
184
Win
138–8–16 (22)
KO
15 (20), 1:15
Jan 19, 1906
Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US
Gans claims world welterweight title at 142lbs
183
Draw
137–8–16 (22)
PTS
15
Sep 15, 1905
Lyric Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Retained world lightweight title;
Pre-arranged draw if lasting the distance
182
Win
137–8–15 (22)
Rufe Turner
NWS
6
Mar 27, 1905
Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
181
Win
137–8–15 (21)
DQ
5 (20), 0:30
Oct 31, 1904
Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US
Retained world lightweight title;
Britt DQ'd for hitting Gans while he was rising from a knockdown
180
Draw
136–8–15 (21)
PTS
20
Sep 30, 1904
Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US
179
Draw
136–8–14 (21)
Dave Holly
NWS
6
Jun 27, 1904
National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
178
Win
136–8–14 (20)
Sammy Smith
TKO
4 (6)
Jun 13, 1904
National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
177
Win
135–8–14 (20)
Kid Griffo
TKO
7 (15)
Jun 3, 1904
Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
176
Win
134–8–14 (20)
Jewey Cook
RTD
7 (10)
May 27, 1904
Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
175
Win
133–8–14 (20)
Sam Bolen
PTS
15
Apr 21, 1904
Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
174
Win
132–8–14 (20)
Gus Gardner
PTS
10
Mar 28, 1904
Arbelten Hall, Saginaw, Michigan, US
173
Win
131–8–14 (20)
PTS
15
Mar 25, 1904
Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
172
Win
130–8–14 (20)
Mike Ward
TKO
10 (10)
Feb 2, 1904
Light Guard Armory, Detroit, Michigan, US
171
Win
129–8–14 (20)
PTS
10
Jan 22, 1904
Shlegel's Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
170
Win
128–8–14 (20)
Clarence Connors
TKO
2 (6)
Jan 19, 1904
Mount Clemens, Michigan, US
169
Win
127–8–14 (20)
Willie Fitzgerald
PTS
10
Jan 12, 1904
Light Guard Armory, Detroit, Michigan, US
Retained world lightweight title
168
Loss
126–8–14 (20)
PTS
15
Dec 8, 1903
Criterion A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
167
Win
126–7–14 (20)
Dave Holly
NWS
6
Dec 7, 1903
Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
166
Loss
126–7–14 (19)
NWS
6
Nov 2, 1903
Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
165
Draw
126–7–14 (18)
Dave Holly
NWS
6
Oct 23, 1903
State A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
164
Win
126–7–14 (17)
Eddie Kennedy
NWS
6
Oct 20, 1903
Southern A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
163
Win
126–7–14 (16)
NWS
6
Oct 19, 1903
Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
162
Win
126–7–14 (15)
Buddy King
KO
5 (20)
Jul 4, 1903
Old Baseball Park, Butte, Montana, US
161
Win
125–7–14 (15)
Willie Fitzgerald
KO
10 (20)
May 29, 1903
Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US
160
Win
124–7–14 (15)
Tom Tracey
TKO
9 (20)
May 13, 1903
Pastime A.C., Portland, Oregon, US
159
Win
123–7–14 (15)
Jack Bennett
KO
5 (10)
Mar 23, 1903
Masonic Hall, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, US
158
Win
122–7–14 (15)
Steve Crosby
TKO
11 (20)
Mar 11, 1903
Whittington Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas, US
Retained world lightweight title
157
Win
121–7–14 (15)
Gus Gardner
DQ
11 (20), 1:05
Jan 1, 1903
Casino, New Britain, Connecticut, US
Retained world lightweight title
156
Draw
120–7–14 (15)
PTS
10
Dec 31, 1902
Criterion A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
Pre-arranged draw if lasting the distance.
155
Win
120–7–13 (15)
Howard Wilson
TKO
3 (20)
Dec 19, 1902
Scituate Athletic Club, Scituate, Rhode Island, US
154
Win
119–7–13 (15)
TKO
14 (20)
Nov 14, 1902
Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Retained world lightweight title
153
Win
118–7–13 (15)
Dave Holly
NWS
10
Oct 14, 1902
Maennerchor Hall, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, US
152
Win
118–7–13 (14)
Kid McPartland
KO
5 (20), 2:25
Oct 13, 1902
International A.C., Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada
Retained world lightweight title
151
Win
117–7–13 (14)
Jack Bennett
KO
2 (6)
Sep 22, 1902
Golden Gate A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
150
Win
116–7–13 (14)
Gus Gardner
KO
5 (20)
Sep 17, 1902
Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
149
Win
115–7–13 (14)
Rufe Turner
KO
15 (15)
Jul 24, 1902
Acme A.C., Oakland, California, US
Retained world lightweight title
148
Win
114–7–13 (14)
TKO
3 (20)
Jun 27, 1902
Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US
Retained world lightweight title
147
Win
113–7–13 (14)
St. Mary's County Bully
DQ
3 (4)
May 29, 1902
Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
146
Win
112–7–13 (14)
Charles Boyer
TKO
2 (4)
May 28, 1902
Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
145
Win
111–7–13 (14)
Edward Snowden
KO
2 (4)
May 28, 1902
Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
144
Win
110–7–13 (14)
Joe Burke
RTD
2 (4)
May 27, 1902
Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
143
Win
109–7–13 (14)
KO
1 (20), 1:40
May 12, 1902
International A.C., Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada
Won world lightweight title
142
Win
108–7–13 (14)
Jack Bennett
KO
5 (20)
Mar 27, 1902
Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US
141
Win
107–7–13 (14)
Jack Ryan
TKO
4 (15)
Mar 7, 1902
Keystone A.C., Allentown, Pennsylvania, US
140
Win
106–7–13 (14)
NWS
6
Feb 17, 1902
Penn Art Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
139
Win
106–7–13 (13)
DQ
5 (6)
Jan 6, 1902
Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Connolly DQ'd for head-butting Gans multiple times under the chin
138
Win
105–7–13 (13)
Tom Broderick
KO
6 (20)
Jan 3, 1902
Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
137
Win
104–7–13 (13)
Joe Youngs
TKO
4 (6)
Dec 30, 1901
Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Youngs quit in the middle of the round, with both of his eyes almost closed
136
Win
103–7–13 (13)
Bobby Dobbs
TKO
14 (20)
Dec 13, 1901
Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
135
Win
102–7–13 (13)
Billy Moore
KO
3 (20)
Nov 22, 1901
Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
134
Win
101–7–13 (13)
Jack Hanlon
KO
2 (20)
Nov 15, 1901
Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
133
Win
100–7–13 (13)
Dan McConnell
KO
3 (8)
Oct 4, 1901
Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
132
Win
99–7–13 (13)
Joe Handler
TKO
1 (20)
Sep 30, 1901
Trenton A.C., Trenton, New Jersey, US
131
Win
98–7–13 (13)
Steve Crosby
TKO
12 (20)
Sep 20, 1901
Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Police stopped the fight
130
Draw
97–7–13 (13)
Steve Crosby
PTS
20
Aug 23, 1901
Music Hall, Louisville, Kentucky, US
Retained world colored lightweight title
129
Win
97–7–12 (13)
Kid Thomas
NWS
6
Jul 15, 1901
Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Third fight in one day
128
Win
97–7–12 (12)
Jack Donahue
TKO
2 (6)
Jul 15, 1901
Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Second fight in one day
127
Win
96–7–12 (12)
Harry Berger
NWS
6
Jul 15, 1901
Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US
126
Win
96–7–12 (11)
Bobby Dobbs
KO
7 (20)
May 31, 1901
Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
125
Win
95–7–12 (11)
Martin Flaherty
TKO
4 (20)
Apr 1, 1901
Ford's Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
124
Win
94–7–12 (11)
Wilmington Jack Daly
DQ
5 (20), 2:05
Feb 13, 1901
Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
123
Loss
93–7–12 (11)
KO
2 (6), 2:05
Dec 13, 1900
Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, US
122
Win
93–6–12 (11)
KO
4 (10)
Nov 16, 1900
Colorado A.C., Denver, Colorado, US
121
Win
92–6–12 (11)
Jimmy 'Spider' Kelly
TKO
8 (10)
Oct 19, 1900
Colorado A.C., Denver, Colorado, US
120
Win
91–6–12 (11)
Otto Sieloff
KO
9 (10)
Oct 16, 1900
Olympic A.C., Denver, Colorado, US
119
Win
90–6–12 (11)
Alec Johnson
KO
1 (5), 2:23
Oct 11, 1900
Leadville Athletic Club, Leadville, Colorado, US
118
Win
89–6–12 (11)
Bird Leg Collins
TKO
4 (5)
Oct 11, 1900
Leadville Athletic Club, Leadville, Colorado, US
117
Win
88–6–12 (11)
Joe Youngs
PTS
10
Oct 5, 1900
Colorado A.A., Denver, Colorado, US
116
Draw
87–6–12 (11)
PTS
10
Oct 2, 1900
Olympic A.C., Denver, Colorado, US
115
Win
87–6–11 (11)
NWS
6
Sep 7, 1900
Penn Art Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
114
Win
87–6–11 (10)
Dal Hawkins
KO
3 (25)
Aug 31, 1900
Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US
Time was either 2:21 or 2:57
113
Win
86–6–11 (10)
Whitey Lester
KO
4 (20)
Jul 12, 1900
Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US
112
Win
85–6–11 (10)
TKO
8 (25), 1:38
Jul 10, 1900
Seaside A.C., Coney Island, New York, US
111
Win
84–6–11 (10)
Barney Furey
KO
9 (15)
Jun 26, 1900
People's Theater, Cincinnati, Ohio, US
110
Win
83–6–11 (10)
Dal Hawkins
KO
2 (25), 1:15
May 25, 1900
Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US
109
Win
82–6–11 (10)
Chicago Jack Daly
TKO
5 (6)
Apr 1, 1900
Penn Art Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
108
Loss
81–6–11 (10)
TKO
12 (25)
Mar 23, 1900
Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US
For world lightweight title;
Gans asked to have the bout stopped after being cut by an accidental head-butt.
107
Win
81–5–11 (10)
Spike Sullivan
TKO
14 (25), 2:17
Feb 9, 1900
Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US
106
Draw
80–5–11 (10)
Kid McPartland
PTS
6
Dec 22, 1899
Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, US
105
Win
80–5–10 (10)
Kid Ash
PTS
15
Dec 11, 1899
Robinson Opera House, Cincinnati, Ohio, US
104
Win
79–5–10 (10)
Steve Crosby
PTS
6
Nov 24, 1899
Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, US
103
Win
78–5–10 (10)
PTS
25
Oct 31, 1899
Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US
102
Win
77–5–10 (10)
Martin Judge
PTS
20
Oct 11, 1899
Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
101
Draw
76–5–10 (10)
Wilmington Jack Daly
NWS
6
Oct 7, 1899
Nonpareil A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
100
Win
76–5–10 (9)
Jimmy 'Spider' Kelly
PTS
25
Oct 3, 1899
Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, US
99
Win
75–5–10 (9)
Martin Judge
PTS
12 (20)
Sep 15, 1899
Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Police stopped the fight at the end of the 12th round
on account of foul work in the clinches.
98
Win
74–5–10 (9)
Eugene Bezenah
KO
10 (25), 2:23
Sep 1, 1899
Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US
97
Draw
73–5–10 (9)
PTS
25
Jul 28, 1899
Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US
96
Win
73–5–9 (9)
Jack Dobbs
TKO
4 (25)
Jul 24, 1899
Seabright Casino, Ocean City, Maryland, US
95
Loss
72–5–9 (9)
KO
23 (25)
Apr 14, 1899
Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, US
94
Win
72–4–9 (9)
Billy Ernst
DQ
10 (20)
Feb 6, 1899
Olympic A.C., Buffalo, New York, US
Ernst DQ'd for headbutting Gans
93
Win
71–4–9 (9)
Martin Judge
PTS
20
Jan 28, 1899
Crescent A.C., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
92
Win
70–4–9 (9)
Young Smyrna
KO
2 (25), 2:50
Jan 13, 1899
Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
91
Win
69–4–9 (9)
Wilmington Jack Daly
PTS
25
Dec 27, 1898
Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, US
90
Win
68–4–9 (9)
Kid McPartland
PTS
25
Nov 4, 1898
Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, US
89
Win
67–4–9 (9)
William Duke
PTS
4
Sep 30, 1898
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
88
Win
66–4–9 (9)
Fred Sweigert
PTS
4
Sep 29, 1898
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
87
Win
65–4–9 (9)
James Martin
TKO
4 (4)
Sep 28, 1898
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
86
Win
64–4–9 (9)
Joseph Smith
TKO
1 (4)
Sep 27, 1898
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Third fight in one day
85
Win
63–4–9 (9)
William Hinton
TKO
1 (4)
Sep 27, 1898
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Second fight in one day
84
Win
62–4–9 (9)
Buck Baynor
TKO
3 (4)
Sep 27, 1898
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
83
Win
61–4–9 (9)
Herman Miller
PTS
4
Sep 26, 1898
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
82
Win
60–4–9 (9)
Thomas Jackson
KO
3 (25), 1:32
Sep 1, 1898
Talbot county fair, Easton, Maryland, US
81
Win
59–4–9 (9)
Young Smyrna
TKO
15 (25), 2:23
Aug 26, 1898
Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US
80
Win
58–4–9 (9)
Billy Ernst
KO
11 (25)
Aug 8, 1898
Greater New York A.C., New York City, New York, US
79
Win
57–4–9 (9)
George Brown
TKO
6 (10)
Jul 1, 1898
Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US
78
Win
56–4–9 (9)
Joe Kid Robinson
PTS
6
Jun 3, 1898
Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, US
77
NC
55–4–9 (9)
Joe Kid Robinson
NC
3 (6)
Jun 2, 1898
Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, US
The lights went out in the building, and the show had to be called off until next day.
76
Win
55–4–9 (8)
Steve Crosby
RTD
6 (20)
May 11, 1898
Music Hall, Louisville, Kentucky, US
75
Win
54–4–9 (8)
Young Starlight
TKO
3 (3)
Apr 11, 1898
Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Second fight in a day
74
Win
53–4–9 (8)
Young Smyrna
TKO
3 (3)
Apr 11, 1898
Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Police stopped the fight.
73
Win
52–4–9 (8)
Tommy Shortell
TKO
6 (8)
Mar 11, 1898
Academy Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
72
Win
51–4–9 (8)
Frank Garrard
TKO
15 (20)
Jan 17, 1898
Central Armory, Cleveland, Ohio, US
71
Win
50–4–9 (9)
Billy Young
TKO
2 (8)
Jan 3, 1898
Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
70
Win
49–4–9 (8)
Stanton Abbott
TKO
5 (8), 2:15
Nov 29, 1897
Academy of Music, Baltimore, Maryland, US
69
Draw
48–4–9 (8)
Wilmington Jack Daly
NWS
6
Nov 6, 1897
Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
68
Loss
48–4–9 (7)
Bobby Dobbs
PTS
20
Sep 27, 1897
Greenpoint S.C., New York City, New York, US
For world colored lightweight title
67
Draw
48–3–9 (7)
PTS
15
Sep 21, 1897
Olympic A.C., Athens, Pennsylvania, US
66
Win
48–3–8 (7)
Izzy Strauss
KO
5 (15)
Aug 30, 1897
Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
65
Win
47–3–8 (7)
Jack McCue
TKO
6 (?)
Aug 24, 1897
Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Fifth fight in a day
64
Win
46–3–8 (7)
John Coates
TKO
5 (?)
Aug 24, 1897
Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Fourth fight in a day
63
Win
45–3–8 (7)
Jerry Marshall
TKO
8 (?)
Aug 24, 1897
Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Third fight in a day
62
Win
44–3–8 (7)
George Thomas
TKO
3 (?)
Aug 24, 1897
Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Second fight in a day
61
Win
43–3–8 (7)
August Stenzie
TKO
3 (?)
Aug 24, 1897
Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, US
60
Win
42–3–8 (7)
Mike Leonard
PTS
20
May 18, 1897
Olympic A.C., San Francisco, California, US
59
Win
41–3–8 (7)
Howard Wilson
KO
9 (20)
Apr 3, 1897
Polo A.C., New York City, New York, US
58
Win
40–3–8 (7)
Charles Rochette
RTD
4 (10)
Dec 14, 1896
Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US
57
Win
39–3–8 (7)
Jerry Marshall
PTS
20
Nov 12, 1896
Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
56
Win
38–3–8 (7)
Jack Williams
TKO
3 (8)
Oct 19, 1896
Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Police stopped the fight.
55
Loss
37–3–8 (7)
Dal Hawkins
PTS
15
Oct 6, 1896
Bohemian Sporting Club, New York City, New York, US
54
Win
37–2–8 (7)
John Ball
PTS
4
Sep 28, 1896
East Side A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
53
Draw
36–2–8 (7)
Danny McBride
PTS
20
Aug 31, 1896
Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
52
Win
36–2–7 (7)
Jack Williams
TKO
2 (?)
Aug 20, 1896
Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
51
Win
35–2–7 (7)
Tommy Butler
PTS
12
Jun 29, 1896
South Brooklyn A.C., New York City, New York, US
50
Win
34–2–7 (7)
Jimmy Watson
PTS
10
Jun 8, 1896
Bijou Theater, Paterson, New Jersey, US
49
Win
33–2–7 (7)
Jimmy Kennard
TKO
6 (12)
Feb 22, 1896
West Newton Street Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, US
48
Win
32–2–7 (7)
Joe Elliott
KO
7 (8)
Jan 17, 1896
Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
47
Win
31–2–7 (7)
Benny Peterson
PTS
4
Jan 11, 1896
Ariel A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
46
Win
30–2–7 (7)
George Siddons
KO
7 (25), 2:50
Nov 28, 1895
Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
45
Draw
29–2–7 (7)
PTS
10
Nov 18, 1895
Front Street Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Pre-arranged draw if lasting full distance.
44
Win
29–2–6 (7)
Joe Elliott
KO
9 (25)
Oct 21, 1895
Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
43
Draw
28–2–6 (7)
George Siddons
PTS
20
Jul 15, 1895
Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
42
Win
28–2–5 (7)
Howard Wilson
PTS
10
May 28, 1895
Kernan's Theatre, Washington, D.C., US
41
Win
27–2–5 (7)
Benny Peterson
KO
17 (20)
May 20, 1895
Riverside Athletic Club, New York City, New York, US
40
Win
26–2–5 (7)
George Willis
KO
4 (10)
May 14, 1895
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
39
Draw
25–2–5 (7)
Howard Wilson
PTS
6
May 9, 1895
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
38
Win
25–2–4 (7)
Frank Peabody
TKO
3 (8)
May 4, 1895
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
37
Win
24–2–4 (7)
Kentucky Rosebud
TKO
8 (8)
Apr 25, 1895
Front Street Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
36
Win
23–2–4 (7)
David Armstrong
TKO
3 (6)
Apr 18, 1895
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
35
Loss
22–2–4 (7)
Johnny Van Heest
PTS
9 (8)
Apr 13, 1895
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Gans had Van Heese whipped to a standstill in the eighth round,
but Mr. Daniel Carr, the referee, ordered an extra round.
Though Van Heest had none the best of the last round, he was given the decision.
34
Win
22–1–4 (7)
Kentucky Rosebud
NWS
6
Apr 1, 1895
Monumental Amphitheater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
33
Win
22–1–4 (6)
Paul Johnson
PTS
6
Mar 22, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
32
Win
21–1–4 (6)
Harry Hunt
TKO
4 (?)
Mar 20, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
31
Draw
20–1–4 (6)
Howard Wilson
PTS
10
Mar 18, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
30
Draw
20–1–3 (6)
Fred Sweigert
PTS
10
Mar 7, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
29
Win
20–1–2 (6)
Solomon English
TKO
10 (10)
Mar 6, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Police interfered.
28
Win
19–1–2 (6)
Max Wirsing
TKO
3 (?)
Mar 4, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
27
Draw
18–1–2 (6)
James Daly
PTS
11 (10)
Feb 16, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
An extra-round was fought.
26
Win
18–1–1 (6)
James Davis
KO
3 (10)
Feb 12, 1895
Kernan's Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Second fight in one day
25
Win
17–1–1 (6)
John Ball
PTS
6
Feb 12, 1895
Kernan's Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
24
Win
16–1–1 (6)
John Coates
PTS
11 (10)
Feb 11, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
An additional round was fought to decide the winner.
23
Win
15–1–1 (6)
Samuel Young
KO
3 (?)
Feb 7, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
22
Win
14–1–1 (6)
Fred Sweigert
PTS
10
Feb 6, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
21
Draw
13–1–1 (6)
Dave Horn
PTS
10
Jan 23, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
20
Win
13–1 (6)
George Brummell
TKO
5 (?)
Jan 19, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
19
Win
12–1 (6)
Paul Johnson
PTS
10
Jan 11, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
18
Win
11–1 (6)
Bud Brown
PTS
10
Jan 7, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Second fight in one day after Allen's corner man offered to fight Gans
17
Win
10–1 (6)
Samuel Allen
KO
3 (?)
Jan 7, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
16
Win
9–1 (6)
Fred Sweigert
PTS
?
Jan 1, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
15
Win
8–1 (6)
Jack McDonald
TKO
8 (?)
Dec 28, 1894
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
14
Win
7–1 (6)
John Coates
PTS
10
Dec 27, 1894
Monumental A.C., Baltimore, Maryland, US
13
Win
6–1 (6)
Fred Sweigert
NWS
10
Dec 21, 1894
Monumental A.C., Baltimore, Maryland, US
12
Win
6–1 (5)
Travis Brown
PTS
6
Dec 17, 1894
Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
11
ND
5–1 (5)
Bud Young
ND
4
Nov 27, 1894
Canton Academy, Baltimore, Maryland, US
10
ND
5–1 (4)
Paul Johnson
ND
3 (?)
Nov 12, 1894
Grand Army Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Gans was fouled and could not continue. Ruled a no decision
9
Win
5–1 (3)
Jackson
TKO
3 (4)
Jul 10, 1894
Kernan's Theatre, Washington, D.C., US
8
Loss
4–1 (3)
Paul Johnson
PTS
5
Jun 27, 1894
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
For vacant Maryland colored lightweight title
7
Win
4–0 (3)
Gustav Wilkie
PTS
4
Jun 26, 1894
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
6
ND
3–0 (3)
Robert Cook
ND
?
May 21, 1894
M F Conklin`s Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
5
Win
3–0 (2)
Harry Brian
PTS
?
Apr 25, 1894
Allerino Gannic Casino, Baltimore, Maryland, US
4
ND
2–0 (2)
Dave Horn
ND
3 (?)
Apr 19, 1894
Beach's Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
3
Win
2–0 (1)
William Jones
KO
4 (?)
Feb 12, 1894
Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
2
Win
1–0 (1)
William Jones
RTD
6 (?)
Nov 27, 1893
Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
1
ND
0–0 (1)
Buck Myers
ND
?
Oct 23, 1893
Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
199 fights
160 wins
12 losses
By knockout
101
5
By decision
52
7
By disqualification
7
0
Draws
21
No contests
6
Record with the inclusion of newspaper decisions in the win/loss/draw column.
No.
Result
Record
Opponent
Type
Round, time
Date
Location
Notes
199
Win
160–12–21 (6)
Jabez White
NWS
10
Mar 12, 1909
National S.C., New York City, New York, US
198
Loss
159–12–21 (6)
KO
21 (45)
Sep 9, 1908
Mission Street Arena, Colma, California, US
For world lightweight title
197
Loss
159–11–21 (6)
KO
17 (45)
Jul 4, 1908
Mission Street Arena, Colma, California, US
Lost world lightweight title
196
Win
159–10–21 (6)
Rudy Unholz
TKO
11 (20)
May 14, 1908
Coliseum, San Francisco, California, US
Retained world lightweight title
195
Win
158–10–21 (6)
Frank 'Spike' Robson
TKO
3 (6), 2:25
Apr 1, 1908
National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
194
Win
157–10–21 (6)
Bob Blackburn
KO
3 (5)
Jan 3, 1908
Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
193
Win
156–10–21 (6)
George Memsic
PTS
20
Sep 27, 1907
Naud Junction Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, US
Retained world lightweight title
192
Win
155–10–21 (6)
TKO
6 (20)
Sep 9, 1907
Recreation Park, San Francisco, California, US
Retained world lightweight title
191
Win
154–10–21 (6)
Kid Herman
KO
8 (?)
Jan 1, 1907
Casino A.C. Arena, Tonopah, California, US
Retained world lightweight title
190
Win
153–10–21 (6)
DQ
42 (
Sep 3, 1906
Casino Amphitheatre, Goldfield, Nevada, US
Retained world lightweight title;
A fight to the finish
189
Win
152–10–21 (6)
Dave Holly
PTS
20
Jul 23, 1906
Pleasant Beach, Bainbridge Island, Washington, US
Retained world lightweight title
188
Win
151–10–21 (6)
NWS
6
Jun 29, 1906
National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
187
Draw
150–10–21 (6)
NWS
6
Jun 15, 1906
National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
186
Loss
150–10–20 (6)
NWS
6
May 18, 1906
Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
185
Win
150–9–20 (6)
TKO
10 (20)
Mar 17, 1906
Chutes Park, Los Angeles, California, US
Retained world welterweight title claim at 142 lbs;
Police stopped the fight
184
Win
149–9–20 (6)
KO
15 (20), 1:15
Jan 19, 1906
Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US
Gans claims world welterweight title at 142lbs
183
Draw
148–9–20 (6)
PTS
15
Sep 15, 1905
Lyric Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Retained world lightweight title;
Pre-arranged draw if lasting the distance
182
Win
148–9–19 (6)
Rufe Turner
NWS
6
Mar 27, 1905
Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
181
Win
147–9–19 (6)
DQ
5 (20), 0:30
Oct 31, 1904
Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US
Retained world lightweight title;
Britt DQ'd for hitting Gans while he was rising from a knockdown
180
Draw
146–9–19 (6)
PTS
20
Sep 30, 1904
Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US
179
Draw
146–9–18 (6)
Dave Holly
NWS
6
Jun 27, 1904
National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
178
Win
146–9–17 (6)
Sammy Smith
TKO
4 (6)
Jun 13, 1904
National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
177
Win
145–9–17 (6)
Kid Griffo
TKO
7 (15)
Jun 3, 1904
Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
176
Win
144–9–17 (6)
Jewey Cook
RTD
7 (10)
May 27, 1904
Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
175
Win
143–9–17 (6)
Sam Bolen
PTS
15
Apr 21, 1904
Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
174
Win
142–9–17 (6)
Gus Gardner
PTS
10
Mar 28, 1904
Arbelten Hall, Saginaw, Michigan, US
173
Win
141–9–17 (6)
PTS
15
Mar 25, 1904
Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
172
Win
140–9–17 (6)
Mike Ward
TKO
10 (10)
Feb 2, 1904
Light Guard Armory, Detroit, Michigan, US
171
Win
139–9–17 (6)
PTS
10
Jan 22, 1904
Shlegel's Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
170
Win
138–9–17 (6)
Clarence Connors
TKO
2 (6)
Jan 19, 1904
Mount Clemens, Michigan, US
169
Win
137–9–17 (6)
Willie Fitzgerald
PTS
10
Jan 12, 1904
Light Guard Armory, Detroit, Michigan, US
Retained world lightweight title
168
Loss
136–9–17 (6)
PTS
15
Dec 8, 1903
Criterion A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
167
Win
136–8–17 (6)
Dave Holly
NWS
6
Dec 7, 1903
Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
166
Loss
135–8–17 (6)
NWS
6
Nov 2, 1903
Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
165
Draw
135–7–17 (6)
Dave Holly
NWS
6
Oct 23, 1903
State A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
164
Win
135–7–16 (6)
Eddie Kennedy
NWS
6
Oct 20, 1903
Southern A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
163
Win
134–7–16 (6)
NWS
6
Oct 19, 1903
Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
162
Win
133–7–16 (6)
Buddy King
KO
5 (20)
Jul 4, 1903
Old Baseball Park, Butte, Montana, US
161
Win
132–7–16 (6)
Willie Fitzgerald
KO
10 (20)
May 29, 1903
Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US
160
Win
131–7–16 (6)
Tom Tracey
TKO
9 (20)
May 13, 1903
Pastime A.C., Portland, Oregon, US
159
Win
130–7–16 (6)
Jack Bennett
KO
5 (10)
Mar 23, 1903
Masonic Hall, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, US
158
Win
129–7–16 (6)
Steve Crosby
TKO
11 (20)
Mar 11, 1903
Whittington Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas, US
Retained world lightweight title
157
Win
128–7–16 (6)
Gus Gardner
DQ
11 (20), 1:05
Jan 1, 1903
Casino, New Britain, Connecticut, US
Retained world lightweight title
156
Draw
127–7–16 (6)
PTS
10
Dec 31, 1902
Criterion A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US
Pre-arranged draw if lasting the distance.
155
Win
127–7–15 (6)
Howard Wilson
TKO
3 (20)
Dec 19, 1902
Scituate Athletic Club, Scituate, Rhode Island, US
154
Win
126–7–15 (6)
TKO
14 (20)
Nov 14, 1902
Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Retained world lightweight title
153
Win
125–7–15 (6)
Dave Holly
NWS
10
Oct 14, 1902
Maennerchor Hall, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, US
152
Win
124–7–15 (6)
Kid McPartland
KO
5 (20), 2:25
Oct 13, 1902
International A.C., Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada
Retained world lightweight title
151
Win
123–7–15 (6)
Jack Bennett
KO
2 (6)
Sep 22, 1902
Golden Gate A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
150
Win
122–7–15 (6)
Gus Gardner
KO
5 (20)
Sep 17, 1902
Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
149
Win
121–7–15 (6)
Rufe Turner
KO
15 (15)
Jul 24, 1902
Acme A.C., Oakland, California, US
Retained world lightweight title
148
Win
120–7–15 (6)
TKO
3 (20)
Jun 27, 1902
Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US
Retained world lightweight title
147
Win
119–7–15 (6)
St. Mary's County Bully
DQ
3 (4)
May 29, 1902
Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
146
Win
118–7–15 (6)
Charles Boyer
TKO
2 (4)
May 28, 1902
Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
145
Win
117–7–15 (6)
Edward Snowden
KO
2 (4)
May 28, 1902
Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
144
Win
116–7–15 (6)
Joe Burke
RTD
2 (4)
May 27, 1902
Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
143
Win
115–7–15 (6)
KO
1 (20), 1:40
May 12, 1902
International A.C., Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada
Won world lightweight title
142
Win
114–7–15 (6)
Jack Bennett
KO
5 (20)
Mar 27, 1902
Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US
141
Win
113–7–15 (6)
Jack Ryan
TKO
4 (15)
Mar 7, 1902
Keystone A.C., Allentown, Pennsylvania, US
140
Win
112–7–15 (6)
NWS
6
Feb 17, 1902
Penn Art Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
139
Win
111–7–15 (6)
DQ
5 (6)
Jan 6, 1902
Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Connolly DQ'd for head-butting Gans multiple times under the chin
138
Win
110–7–15 (6)
Tom Broderick
KO
6 (20)
Jan 3, 1902
Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
137
Win
109–7–15 (6)
Joe Youngs
TKO
4 (6)
Dec 30, 1901
Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Youngs quit in the middle of the round, with both of his eyes almost closed
136
Win
108–7–15 (6)
Bobby Dobbs
TKO
14 (20)
Dec 13, 1901
Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
135
Win
107–7–15 (6)
Billy Moore
KO
3 (20)
Nov 22, 1901
Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
134
Win
106–7–15 (6)
Jack Hanlon
KO
2 (20)
Nov 15, 1901
Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
133
Win
105–7–15 (6)
Dan McConnell
KO
3 (8)
Oct 4, 1901
Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
132
Win
104–7–15 (6)
Joe Handler
TKO
1 (20)
Sep 30, 1901
Trenton A.C., Trenton, New Jersey, US
131
Win
103–7–15 (6)
Steve Crosby
TKO
12 (20)
Sep 20, 1901
Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Police stopped the fight
130
Draw
102–7–15 (6)
Steve Crosby
PTS
20
Aug 23, 1901
Music Hall, Louisville, Kentucky, US
Retained world colored lightweight title
129
Win
102–7–14 (6)
Kid Thomas
NWS
6
Jul 15, 1901
Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Third fight in one day
128
Win
101–7–14 (6)
Jack Donahue
TKO
2 (6)
Jul 15, 1901
Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Second fight in one day
127
Win
100–7–14 (6)
Harry Berger
NWS
6
Jul 15, 1901
Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US
126
Win
99–7–14 (6)
Bobby Dobbs
KO
7 (20)
May 31, 1901
Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
125
Win
98–7–14 (6)
Martin Flaherty
TKO
4 (20)
Apr 1, 1901
Ford's Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
124
Win
97–7–14 (6)
Wilmington Jack Daly
DQ
5 (20), 2:05
Feb 13, 1901
Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
123
Loss
96–7–14 (6)
KO
2 (6), 2:05
Dec 13, 1900
Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, US
122
Win
96–6–14 (6)
KO
4 (10)
Nov 16, 1900
Colorado A.C., Denver, Colorado, US
121
Win
95–6–14 (6)
Jimmy 'Spider' Kelly
TKO
8 (10)
Oct 19, 1900
Colorado A.C., Denver, Colorado, US
120
Win
94–6–14 (6)
Otto Sieloff
KO
9 (10)
Oct 16, 1900
Olympic A.C., Denver, Colorado, US
119
Win
93–6–14 (6)
Alec Johnson
KO
1 (5), 2:23
Oct 11, 1900
Leadville Athletic Club, Leadville, Colorado, US
118
Win
92–6–14 (6)
Bird Leg Collins
TKO
4 (5)
Oct 11, 1900
Leadville Athletic Club, Leadville, Colorado, US
117
Win
91–6–14 (6)
Joe Youngs
PTS
10
Oct 5, 1900
Colorado A.A., Denver, Colorado, US
116
Draw
90–6–14 (6)
PTS
10
Oct 2, 1900
Olympic A.C., Denver, Colorado, US
115
Win
90–6–13 (6)
NWS
6
Sep 7, 1900
Penn Art Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
114
Win
89–6–13 (6)
Dal Hawkins
KO
3 (25)
Aug 31, 1900
Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US
Time was either 2:21 or 2:57
113
Win
88–6–13 (6)
Whitey Lester
KO
4 (20)
Jul 12, 1900
Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US
112
Win
87–6–13 (6)
TKO
8 (25), 1:38
Jul 10, 1900
Seaside A.C., Coney Island, New York, US
111
Win
86–6–13 (6)
Barney Furey
KO
9 (15)
Jun 26, 1900
People's Theater, Cincinnati, Ohio, US
110
Win
85–6–13 (6)
Dal Hawkins
KO
2 (25), 1:15
May 25, 1900
Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US
109
Win
84–6–13 (6)
Chicago Jack Daly
TKO
5 (6)
Apr 1, 1900
Penn Art Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
108
Loss
83–6–13 (6)
TKO
12 (25)
Mar 23, 1900
Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US
For world lightweight title;
Gans asked to have the bout stopped after being cut by an accidental head-butt.
107
Win
83–5–13 (6)
Spike Sullivan
TKO
14 (25), 2:17
Feb 9, 1900
Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US
106
Draw
82–5–13 (6)
Kid McPartland
PTS
6
Dec 22, 1899
Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, US
105
Win
82–5–12 (6)
Kid Ash
PTS
15
Dec 11, 1899
Robinson Opera House, Cincinnati, Ohio, US
104
Win
81–5–12 (6)
Steve Crosby
PTS
6
Nov 24, 1899
Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, US
103
Win
80–5–12 (6)
PTS
25
Oct 31, 1899
Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US
102
Win
79–5–12 (6)
Martin Judge
PTS
20
Oct 11, 1899
Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
101
Draw
78–5–12 (6)
Wilmington Jack Daly
NWS
6
Oct 7, 1899
Nonpareil A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
100
Win
78–5–11 (6)
Jimmy 'Spider' Kelly
PTS
25
Oct 3, 1899
Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, US
99
Win
77–5–11 (6)
Martin Judge
PTS
12 (20)
Sep 15, 1899
Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Police stopped the fight at the end of the 12th round
on account of foul work in the clinches.
98
Win
76–5–11 (6)
Eugene Bezenah
KO
10 (25), 2:23
Sep 1, 1899
Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US
97
Draw
75–5–11 (6)
PTS
25
Jul 28, 1899
Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US
96
Win
75–5–10 (6)
Jack Dobbs
TKO
4 (25)
Jul 24, 1899
Seabright Casino, Ocean City, Maryland, US
95
Loss
74–5–10 (6)
KO
23 (25)
Apr 14, 1899
Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, US
94
Win
74–4–10 (6)
Billy Ernst
DQ
10 (20)
Feb 6, 1899
Olympic A.C., Buffalo, New York, US
Ernst DQ'd for headbutting Gans
93
Win
73–4–10 (6)
Martin Judge
PTS
20
Jan 28, 1899
Crescent A.C., Toronto, Ontario, Canada
92
Win
72–4–10 (6)
Young Smyrna
KO
2 (25), 2:50
Jan 13, 1899
Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
91
Win
71–4–10 (6)
Wilmington Jack Daly
PTS
25
Dec 27, 1898
Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, US
90
Win
70–4–10 (6)
Kid McPartland
PTS
25
Nov 4, 1898
Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, US
89
Win
69–4–10 (6)
William Duke
PTS
4
Sep 30, 1898
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
88
Win
68–4–10 (6)
Fred Sweigert
PTS
4
Sep 29, 1898
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
87
Win
67–4–10 (6)
James Martin
TKO
4 (4)
Sep 28, 1898
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
86
Win
66–4–10 (6)
Joseph Smith
TKO
1 (4)
Sep 27, 1898
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Third fight in one day
85
Win
65–4–10 (6)
William Hinton
TKO
1 (4)
Sep 27, 1898
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Second fight in one day
84
Win
64–4–10 (6)
Buck Baynor
TKO
3 (4)
Sep 27, 1898
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
83
Win
63–4–10 (6)
Herman Miller
PTS
4
Sep 26, 1898
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
82
Win
62–4–10 (6)
Thomas Jackson
KO
3 (25), 1:32
Sep 1, 1898
Talbot county fair, Easton, Maryland, US
81
Win
61–4–10 (6)
Young Smyrna
TKO
15 (25), 2:23
Aug 26, 1898
Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US
80
Win
60–4–10 (6)
Billy Ernst
KO
11 (25)
Aug 8, 1898
Greater New York A.C., New York City, New York, US
79
Win
59–4–10 (6)
George Brown
TKO
6 (10)
Jul 1, 1898
Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US
78
Win
58–4–10 (6)
Joe Kid Robinson
PTS
6
Jun 3, 1898
Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, US
77
NC
57–4–10 (6)
Joe Kid Robinson
NC
3 (6)
Jun 2, 1898
Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, US
The lights went out in the building, and the show had to be called off until next day.
76
Win
57–4–10 (5)
Steve Crosby
RTD
6 (20)
May 11, 1898
Music Hall, Louisville, Kentucky, US
75
Win
56–4–10 (5)
Young Starlight
TKO
3 (3)
Apr 11, 1898
Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Second fight in a day
74
Win
55–4–10 (5)
Young Smyrna
TKO
3 (3)
Apr 11, 1898
Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Police stopped the fight.
73
Win
54–4–10 (5)
Tommy Shortell
TKO
6 (8)
Mar 11, 1898
Academy Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
72
Win
53–4–10 (5)
Frank Garrard
TKO
15 (20)
Jan 17, 1898
Central Armory, Cleveland, Ohio, US
71
Win
52–4–10 (5)
Billy Young
TKO
2 (8)
Jan 3, 1898
Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
70
Win
51–4–10 (5)
Stanton Abbott
TKO
5 (8), 2:15
Nov 29, 1897
Academy of Music, Baltimore, Maryland, US
69
Draw
50–4–10 (5)
Wilmington Jack Daly
NWS
6
Nov 6, 1897
Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
68
Loss
50–4–9 (5)
Bobby Dobbs
PTS
20
Sep 27, 1897
Greenpoint S.C., New York City, New York, US
For world colored lightweight title
67
Draw
50–3–9 (5)
PTS
15
Sep 21, 1897
Olympic A.C., Athens, Pennsylvania, US
66
Win
50–3–8 (5)
Izzy Strauss
KO
5 (15)
Aug 30, 1897
Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
65
Win
49–3–8 (5)
Jack McCue
TKO
6 (?)
Aug 24, 1897
Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Fifth fight in a day
64
Win
48–3–8 (5)
John Coates
TKO
5 (?)
Aug 24, 1897
Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Fourth fight in a day
63
Win
47–3–8 (5)
Jerry Marshall
TKO
8 (?)
Aug 24, 1897
Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Third fight in a day
62
Win
46–3–8 (5)
George Thomas
TKO
3 (?)
Aug 24, 1897
Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Second fight in a day
61
Win
45–3–8 (5)
August Stenzie
TKO
3 (?)
Aug 24, 1897
Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, US
60
Win
44–3–8 (5)
Mike Leonard
PTS
20
May 18, 1897
Olympic A.C., San Francisco, California, US
59
Win
43–3–8 (5)
Howard Wilson
KO
9 (20)
Apr 3, 1897
Polo A.C., New York City, New York, US
58
Win
42–3–8 (5)
Charles Rochette
RTD
4 (10)
Dec 14, 1896
Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US
57
Win
41–3–8 (5)
Jerry Marshall
PTS
20
Nov 12, 1896
Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
56
Win
40–3–8 (5)
Jack Williams
TKO
3 (8)
Oct 19, 1896
Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Police stopped the fight.
55
Loss
39–3–8 (5)
Dal Hawkins
PTS
15
Oct 6, 1896
Bohemian Sporting Club, New York City, New York, US
54
Win
39–2–8 (5)
John Ball
PTS
4
Sep 28, 1896
East Side A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
53
Draw
38–2–8 (5)
Danny McBride
PTS
20
Aug 31, 1896
Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
52
Win
38–2–7 (5)
Jack Williams
TKO
2 (?)
Aug 20, 1896
Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
51
Win
37–2–7 (5)
Tommy Butler
PTS
12
Jun 29, 1896
South Brooklyn A.C., New York City, New York, US
50
Win
36–2–7 (5)
Jimmy Watson
PTS
10
Jun 8, 1896
Bijou Theater, Paterson, New Jersey, US
49
Win
35–2–7 (5)
Jimmy Kennard
TKO
6 (12)
Feb 22, 1896
West Newton Street Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, US
48
Win
34–2–7 (5)
Joe Elliott
KO
7 (8)
Jan 17, 1896
Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
47
Win
33–2–7 (5)
Benny Peterson
PTS
4
Jan 11, 1896
Ariel A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
46
Win
32–2–7 (5)
George Siddons
KO
7 (25), 2:50
Nov 28, 1895
Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
45
Draw
31–2–7 (5)
PTS
10
Nov 18, 1895
Front Street Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Pre-arranged draw if lasting full distance.
44
Win
31–2–6 (5)
Joe Elliott
KO
9 (25)
Oct 21, 1895
Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
43
Draw
30–2–6 (5)
George Siddons
PTS
20
Jul 15, 1895
Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
42
Win
30–2–5 (5)
Howard Wilson
PTS
10
May 28, 1895
Kernan's Theatre, Washington, D.C., US
41
Win
29–2–5 (5)
Benny Peterson
KO
17 (20)
May 20, 1895
Riverside Athletic Club, New York City, New York, US
40
Win
28–2–5 (5)
George Willis
KO
4 (10)
May 14, 1895
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
39
Draw
27–2–5 (5)
Howard Wilson
PTS
6
May 9, 1895
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
38
Win
27–2–4 (5)
Frank Peabody
TKO
3 (8)
May 4, 1895
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
37
Win
26–2–4 (5)
Kentucky Rosebud
TKO
8 (8)
Apr 25, 1895
Front Street Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
36
Win
25–2–4 (5)
David Armstrong
TKO
3 (6)
Apr 18, 1895
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
35
Loss
24–2–4 (5)
Johnny Van Heest
PTS
9 (8)
Apr 13, 1895
Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Gans had Van Heese whipped to a standstill in the eighth round,
but Mr. Daniel Carr, the referee, ordered an extra round.
Though Van Heest had none the best of the last round, he was given the decision.
34
Win
24–1–4 (5)
Kentucky Rosebud
NWS
6
Apr 1, 1895
Monumental Amphitheater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
33
Win
23–1–4 (5)
Paul Johnson
PTS
6
Mar 22, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
32
Win
22–1–4 (5)
Harry Hunt
TKO
4 (?)
Mar 20, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
31
Draw
21–1–4 (5)
Howard Wilson
PTS
10
Mar 18, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
30
Draw
21–1–3 (5)
Fred Sweigert
PTS
10
Mar 7, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
29
Win
21–1–2 (5)
Solomon English
TKO
10 (10)
Mar 6, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Police interfered.
28
Win
20–1–2 (5)
Max Wirsing
TKO
3 (?)
Mar 4, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
27
Draw
19–1–2 (5)
James Daly
PTS
11 (10)
Feb 16, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
An extra-round was fought.
26
Win
19–1–1 (5)
James Davis
KO
3 (10)
Feb 12, 1895
Kernan's Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Second fight in one day
25
Win
18–1–1 (5)
John Ball
PTS
6
Feb 12, 1895
Kernan's Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US
24
Win
17–1–1 (5)
John Coates
PTS
11 (10)
Feb 11, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
An additional round was fought to decide the winner.
23
Win
16–1–1 (5)
Samuel Young
KO
3 (?)
Feb 7, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
22
Win
15–1–1 (5)
Fred Sweigert
PTS
10
Feb 6, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
21
Draw
14–1–1 (5)
Dave Horn
PTS
10
Jan 23, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
20
Win
14–1 (5)
George Brummell
TKO
5 (?)
Jan 19, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
19
Win
13–1 (5)
Paul Johnson
PTS
10
Jan 11, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
18
Win
12–1 (5)
Bud Brown
PTS
10
Jan 7, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Second fight in one day after Allen's corner man offered to fight Gans
17
Win
11–1 (5)
Samuel Allen
KO
3 (?)
Jan 7, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
16
Win
10–1 (5)
Fred Sweigert
PTS
?
Jan 1, 1895
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
15
Win
9–1 (5)
Jack McDonald
TKO
8 (?)
Dec 28, 1894
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
14
Win
8–1 (5)
John Coates
PTS
10
Dec 27, 1894
Monumental A.C., Baltimore, Maryland, US
13
Win
7–1 (5)
Fred Sweigert
NWS
10
Dec 21, 1894
Monumental A.C., Baltimore, Maryland, US
12
Win
6–1 (5)
Travis Brown
PTS
6
Dec 17, 1894
Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
11
ND
5–1 (5)
Bud Young
ND
4
Nov 27, 1894
Canton Academy, Baltimore, Maryland, US
10
ND
5–1 (4)
Paul Johnson
ND
3 (?)
Nov 12, 1894
Grand Army Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Gans was fouled and could not continue. Ruled a no decision
9
Win
5–1 (3)
Jackson
TKO
3 (4)
Jul 10, 1894
Kernan's Theatre, Washington, D.C., US
8
Loss
4–1 (3)
Paul Johnson
PTS
5
Jun 27, 1894
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
For vacant Maryland colored lightweight title
7
Win
4–0 (3)
Gustav Wilkie
PTS
4
Jun 26, 1894
Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US
6
ND
3–0 (3)
Robert Cook
ND
?
May 21, 1894
M F Conklin`s Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
5
Win
3–0 (2)
Harry Brian
PTS
?
Apr 25, 1894
Allerino Gannic Casino, Baltimore, Maryland, US
4
ND
2–0 (2)
Dave Horn
ND
3 (?)
Apr 19, 1894
Beach's Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US
3
Win
2–0 (1)
William Jones
KO
4 (?)
Feb 12, 1894
Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
2
Win
1–0 (1)
William Jones
RTD
6 (?)
Nov 27, 1893
Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
1
ND
0–0 (1)
Buck Myers
ND
?
Oct 23, 1893
Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US
Awards and achievements
World Lightweight Champion
12 May 1902 – 4 July 1908
Sporting positions
Latest Born World Champion to Die
August 10 – October 15, 1910
International
National
