On Tuesday, August 10, there will be a very special historical event. The Veteran Boxers Association, Ring 101 of Baltimore will host a public memorial to celebrate the life of the first African-American world champion boxer -- Baltimore's own Joe Gans.
One hundred years ago on August 10, 1910, Gans -- a world lightweight champion from 1902 to 1908 -- died of incurable tuberculosis at his mother's home on Argyle Street. The boxer known as "The Old Master" was just 35 years old. The funeral was Baltimore's largest to date with more than 10,000 people attending.
The public service will begin at noon and will be held at Mount Auburn Cemetery, the oldest African-American owned and operated cemetery in the city, dating back to 1872. The cemetery is located at 2630 Waterview Avenue in Baltimore. The service will be officiated by Bishop Joseph Gans and will include boxers, community and church affiliates from Baltimore and DC. There will be a horse-drawn carriage and award-winning saxophonist Lou Tibbs.
You are allowed to bring floral tributes but you are asked to be at the graveside no later than 11:45 AM.
If you would like an idea on how Joe Gans fought, here is some rare footage of a bout with Gans defending his world lightweight title against Kid Herman on New Year's Day 1907 in Tonopah, NV. There is no sound on this footage.
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