Gains, Larry National Historic Person
Toronto, Ontario
Larry Gains
(© Canada's Sports Hall of Fame Archives | Archives du Panthéon des sports canadiens)
Address :
Toronto, Ontario
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
2020-07-23
Life Date:
1900 to 1983
Other Name(s):
-
Larry Gains
(Designation Name)
-
Lawrence Samuel 'Larry' Gains
(Other Name)
Research Report Number:
2019-20
Importance:
One of the top heavyweight fighters in the world in the 1920s-1930s
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: Regent Park, Toronto, Ontario
Born and trained in the Cabbagetown neighbourhood, this Black boxer was one of the world’s best heavyweights in the 1920s and 1930s, winning the Canadian and British Empire heavyweight titles. Popular for his quick feet, left hook, and nearly impenetrable defence, Gains competed primarily in Europe as racism limited his opportunities in North America. Discrimination prevented him from challenging for the World Heavyweight Title despite beating several future champions, so he settled for the World Colored Heavyweight Title. Widespread support from his fans helped remove barriers to Black fighters contesting the heavyweight title.