George Dixon vs Chester Leon 1906

George Dixon vs Chester Leon 1906 Biograph Film Company The Fight One of the few truly 19th century boxing champions caught on film, George Dixon (1870-1908) was the first black world boxing champion in any weight class, while also being the first ever Canadian-born boxing champion. This is the only surviving footage of Dixon in action, and captures him at the end of his career. The Movie This three round fight between Dixon and journeyman Chester Leon was staged by The Biograph film Company. This contest does not appear on Dixon’s professional record and Chester Leon may not have been a professional fighter. As fight films became popular at the turn of the century, it was common for boxers, even in genuine fights, to fake knockdowns to boost the film’s appeal. The most famous of these was Jack Johnson’s drop to the canvas as he ducked under Stanley Ketchel’s telegraphed haymaker. See more from the collection at: