George Dixon

Alias: Little Chocolate
Nationality: Canadian
Birthplace: Halifax, NS
Hometown: Africville, NS
Born: 1870-07-29
Died: 1908-01-06
Age at Death: 37
Stance: Orthodox
Height: 5′ 3½″
Reach: 69.5 in.
Manager: Tom O'Rourke

George Dixon (1870 – 1909) 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 Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Known as "Little Chocolate," he stood 5 feet 3 inches (1.6 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 world featherweight title. In all, George won 78 fights, 30 by knockout, and lost 26, four by knockout.

He lost his title in a 15-round decision to Abe Attell on October 28, 1901, but continued boxing until 1906.

George Dixon died a short time later on January 6, 1909 in New York City and is interred in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Boston, Massachusetts. Amoung his legacies is the recreation center named after him in downtown Halifax.

In 1988, George Boyd's play about Dixon, Shine boy, was showcased in Halifax.

(Source: Wikipedia)

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