George Dixon (boxer)
George Dixon (July 29, 1870 – January 6, 1908) was the first black world boxing champion in any weight class, while also being the first ever Canadian-born boxing champion.
George was born in Africville, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Known as "Little Chocolate", he stood 5 feet 3 inches (1.60 m) tall and weighed only 87 pounds (39 kg) when he began his professional boxing career.
George Dixon claimed the world bantamweight title in 1888 and was officially considered the champion after knocking out Nunc Wallace of England in 18 rounds on June 27, 1890. The following year, on May 31, 1891, George beat Cal McCarthy in 22 rounds to win the featherweight title. In all, George won 78 fights, 30 by knockout, and lost 26, 4 by knockout.
He lost his title in a 15-round decision to Abe Attell on October 28, 1901.
George Dixon is interred in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Boston, Massachusetts.
There is a recreation centre named after him in downtown Halifax.
Dixon is also credited for inventing Shadow Boxing.
