George Dixon lived for just 37 years, but the Maritime boxing legend crammed a lot of success into his short life. Now, his story is available to a new generation of Maritimers.
“He fought 800 bouts in his 20-year career,” says biography author Steven Laffoley. “First black boxing champion, first champion of more than one weight class.”
"He's one of the first celebrity athletes.”
Born in Halifax in 1870, Dixon grew up in Africville. By the time he was a teenager, it was obvious he possessed a special gift.
Dixon was tough. He could fight and beat any opponent, and in doing so Dixon put his province on the map.
"Here's a guy who was, no question, the most important athlete to come out of Nova Scotia, with all due respect to Sidney Crosby. This man shaped a sport," says Laffoley.
Dixon eventually moved to the United States and settled in Boston, where he is buried, but he never forgot his roots.
"On his deathbed he identifies himself as Canadian," says Laffoley.
His life story comes with personal tragedy.
Dixon died young from excessive drinking. In his book, Laffoley focuses on the entire story - how Dixon lived, how he died and how he’s remembered.
Dixon lived a successful life, but not a long one. He passed away in 1909, but gone does not mean forgotten, especially when it comes to his hometown.
The George Dixon Centre encourages people of all ages to learn, exercise and honour the centre’s namesake.
"He did such a great job for this community, and black people as a whole. I think there's great pride," says Mookie Magloir, the centre’s program co-ordinator.
"Here's a guy, who at the peak of his career, was easily the most famous or one of the most famous athletes of the time and one of the most famous black athletes," says Laffoley.
Shadowboxing: The Rise and Fall of George Dixon is available in bookstores now.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Paul Hollingsworth
