Langford Defeats The Great Gans

sam-langford

On December 8, 1903, Sam Langford fought the reigning lightweight boxing champion in his hometown of Boston, Massachusetts.  Prior to fighting Langford, most boxing experts felt Joe Gans could not be beaten in a legitimate bout.  Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Gans was able to break the color barrier by winning the World Lightweight Boxing Championship. Sam Langford is often considered

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Chief Desmond Gets a New Assistant

old-stl-police-badge

On Monday, December 15, 1902, St. Louis Police Assistant Chief of Detectives James H. Smith retired from the police department to take a position in the coal industry.  Chief of Detectives William Desmond attempted to convince Smith to stay but he decided to retire from the force as his fortieth birthday approached. Smith compiled a commendable record as Desmond’s Assistant. 

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Old Smoke Defeats Benicia Boy

john-morrissey

John Morrissey claimed the World Bare Knuckle Prizefighting Championship in a controversial bout with Yankee Sullivan in October 1853.  After beating a murder charge for his participation in the murder of Bill “The Butcher” Poole, Morrissey decided to defend his title against John C. Heenan, “the Benicia Boy”.  “Old Smoke” Morrissey defeated Heenan in the October 1858 bout held in

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Ed “Strangler” Lewis Wins Title in 1920

young-ed-strangler-lewis

On Monday, December 13, 1920, Ed “Strangler” Lewis won the first of six World Heavyweight Wrestling Championships from Joe Stecher.  The fact he won the title from his biggest rival and business enemy must have been particularly satisfying. A year before this match, Stecher and Lewis met in a match lasting over three hours.  Lewis made a mental error in

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