Larry Gains facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Larry Gains
Statistics
Nickname(s)	Larrupin' Larry
Rated at	Heavyweight
Height	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Reach	77 in (196 cm)
Nationality	Canadian
Born	(1900-12-12)12 December 1900 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Died	26 July 1983(1983-07-26) (aged 82) Cologne, Germany
Boxing record
Total fights	146; with the inclusion of newspaper decisions
Wins	118
Wins by KO	63
Losses	22
Draws	5

Lawrence Samuel "Larry" Gains (born December 12, 1900 – died July 26, 1983) was a talented Black Canadian heavyweight boxer. He became a champion in Canada and across the British Empire. Even though he was one of the best boxers of his time, he couldn't fight for the World Champion title. This was because of unfair rules that stopped black boxers from competing for that specific title.

Larry's Life Story

Larry was born in Toronto, Canada, on December 12, 1900. He grew up in the Cabbagetown neighborhood. He started boxing when he was about 20 years old. A boxer named Charlie Clay asked him to be a sparring partner, which is someone who practices fighting with another boxer. Larry trained at the Praestamus Club in Toronto, which was a club for Black boxers.

Becoming a Professional Boxer

After doing well as an amateur boxer, Larry decided to become a professional. He traveled to Britain on a cattle ship and had his first professional fight in London in June 1923. People called him "The Toronto Terror." He fought many of his early matches in France and Germany. In 1925, he even beat a famous boxer named Max Schmeling.

On February 28, 1927, Larry became the Canadian Heavyweight Champion. He won by stopping Horace "Soldier" Jones in the fifth round. He successfully defended his title against other big names in Canadian boxing, like Jack Renault and Charlie Belanger. In 1930, he moved to Leicester, England, where he fought many of his next matches.

Larry was known for being a very clever boxer. In 1931, he knocked out Phil Scott in front of 30,000 fans. This win made him the British Empire champion. At that time, there were still unfair rules that limited black boxers. These rules were changed in 1932. Larry then kept his title by beating Donald McCorkindale from South Africa. This fight was held at the Royal Albert Hall. Larry was the second black boxer to fight there. Later that year, he beat Primo Carnera in front of 70,000 people in London. This was a record for a boxing match in Britain! Carnera was much bigger than Larry, weighing 60 pounds more and being four inches taller.

Larry lost his British Empire title in 1934 to Len Harvey. He tried to win it back later that year but was defeated by Jack Petersen.

World Colored Heavyweight Champion

Many people thought Larry was one of the best heavyweight boxers of his time. However, because of the rules against black boxers, he couldn't compete for the main British or World Championships. Instead, he fought for the 'Coloured Heavyweight Championship of the World'. He won this title in 1928 and again in 1935.

After 1934, Larry's earnings from boxing went down. In 1939, when World War II began, Larry joined the British Army. He worked as a physical training instructor and served as a Sergeant Major. His very last fight was in June 1942, against Jack London. This match helped raise money for the Royal Air Force.

Larry retired from boxing when he was 40 years old. He had 143 professional fights, winning 115 of them and drawing 5. Most of his losses happened later in his career. Larry said he earned about $500,000 during his boxing career.

Life After Boxing

After retiring from boxing, Larry had several different jobs. He worked as a laborer and later as a singer and drummer in a hotel band. He also sold cars and worked as a boxing trainer.

Larry was married to Lisa, and they had four children: Betty, Harold, Anne, and John. In 1976, Larry wrote a book about his life called The Impossible Dream. The title referred to his dream of becoming a World Champion. Larry passed away in July 1983 from a heart attack while visiting family in Germany.

Legacy and Honors

Larry Gains' story is important because it shows the challenges black boxers faced. For many years, the World Colored Heavyweight Championship was a way for black athletes to fight against unfair racial rules in sports.

In 2015, Larry Gains was honored by being added to Canada's Sports Hall of Fame. This is a very special recognition for athletes who have achieved great things in Canadian sports.

In 2021, Larry Gains' amateur boxing trophy from March 1922 was fixed up on a TV show called "The Repair Shop." His granddaughter and great-grandson brought the trophy in to be restored.

Larry's Boxing Record

Larry Gains had an impressive boxing career. Here's a quick look at his official record:

• He won 118 fights.
• He lost 22 fights.
• He had 5 draws (when a fight ends with no winner).
• He won 63 fights by knockout (KO), meaning he knocked out his opponent.