Larry Gains (013324)

10-18-2004, 10:10 AM

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Cap · 12-14-2004, 11:32 AM

Unable to find fights in Canada, Larry Gains began his pro career in England in 1923. After toppling over Europe's best, he returned to Toronto in 1926 with a 2nd round KO of Dixie Kid. From then on he was a force to be reckoned with, provided he was given the chance. Most of the top contenders of the day avoided the slick boxing Canadian, in fact Gains was once offered fights with Jack Sharkey and Jim Maloney in Boston only if he would take a "dive". Gains just smiled politely and told the promoter, "Sorry, sir. I can't swim." The only guy who really had his number in those days was Big George Godfrey the "Leiperville Shadow". At his peak there were few others who could hang in there with him. Larry's two proudest achievements were winning the Canadian heavyweight title at home in Toronto and beating Phil Scott for the British Empire title in England. Gains was the first officially recognized black champion. He also soundly defeated two future world champs in Max Schmeling and Primo Carnera.

Gains stood 6' 1 1/2" tall and usually weighed just under 200 poinds. His reach was 76 inches. His manager and chief second was Jack Goodwin.

CONN CHRIS · 12-14-2004, 02:54 PM

Thanks for the great bio Cap. I have thought Gains was a little bit under-rated in TBCB. Unfortunately, I know very little about him so my sense that he is under-rated comes from just skeleton knowledge. I really can't say what could or should be changed - what are your thoughts on his rating?

10-18-2004, 10:10 AM	#1
TB Database Guest Posts: n/a	Larry Gains (013324) ...

12-14-2004, 11:32 AM	#2
Cap Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Large Province in God's Country Posts: 7,967	Unable to find fights in Canada, Larry Gains began his pro career in England in 1923. After toppling over Europe's best, he returned to Toronto in 1926 with a 2nd round KO of Dixie Kid. From then on he was a force to be reckoned with, provided he was given the chance. Most of the top contenders of the day avoided the slick boxing Canadian, in fact Gains was once offered fights with Jack Sharkey and Jim Maloney in Boston only if he would take a "dive". Gains just smiled politely and told the promoter, "Sorry, sir. I can't swim." The only guy who really had his number in those days was Big George Godfrey the "Leiperville Shadow". At his peak there were few others who could hang in there with him. Larry's two proudest achievements were winning the Canadian heavyweight title at home in Toronto and beating Phil Scott for the British Empire title in England. Gains was the first officially recognized black champion. He also soundly defeated two future world champs in Max Schmeling and Primo Carnera. Gains stood 6' 1 1/2" tall and usually weighed just under 200 poinds. His reach was 76 inches. His manager and chief second was Jack Goodwin. __________________ "...There were Giants in Those Days.." Last edited by Cap; 12-14-2004 at 11:33 AM.

12-14-2004, 02:54 PM	#3
CONN CHRIS Global Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 29,016	Thanks for the great bio Cap. I have thought Gains was a little bit under-rated in TBCB. Unfortunately, I know very little about him so my sense that he is under-rated comes from just skeleton knowledge. I really can't say what could or should be changed - what are your thoughts on his rating? __________________ Check Out My Cards!