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CA-K201Culture & sport

George Dixon, first Black world boxing champion

A photograph of George Dixon, taken before 1909.
A photograph of George Dixon, taken before 1909. George Dixon boxer · unattributed · Photo source · Photo licence: Public domain. Resized for display; item previews may be cropped. The image remains under the licence shown.
Factual accuracy review: No recorded challenge

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George Dixon (1870–1908), born in Africville, Nova Scotia, was the first Black boxer and the first Canadian to win a world title, taking the bantamweight title in 1890 and the featherweight title in 1891. His training innovations, including shadowboxing, are still in use, and he used his popularity to open opportunities for Black boxers.

Scope & context

His boxing career and legacy, not a full fight record.

Sources behind this record

1
George Dixon (1870-1908) National Historic Person ↗

Parks Canada

Historical importance; plaque text