This Day in History: 2017-05-01

May 12, 1902 – “Joe Gans Becomes World’s First African-American Boxing Champion” Joe Gans defeated Frank Erne to become the world’s first African-American
to win World Championship in any weight class. He became a world champion a full six years before famed boxer Jack Johnson. This is because Johnson’s attempts at challenging for the heavyweight title were thwarted as James J. Jeffries refused to face him. Gans and Johnson were two early champions in a sport dominated by African-Americans throughout the 20th century.

History Spotlight

2017 March 6, 1964 - "Muhammad Ali Announces His Conversion to Islam" Muhammad Ali, formerly known as Cassius Clay, held a press conference to announce his conversion to Islam. Ali had recently become the youngest boxer to win the heavyweight championship from another boxer, Sonny Liston. His joining the Nation of Islam led to Ali becoming a pivotal civil rights leader. He would go on to become one of the most prominent sports figures of the 20th century. During the time of his conversion, he was mentored both by Elijah Muhammad and Malcolm X.

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