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Sam McVey
Sam McVey passport 1919.jpg
Passport photo of McVey from 1919
Statistics
Real name Samuel E. MacVea
Rated at Heavyweight
Height 5 ft 10.5 in (1.79 m)
Reach 75 in (191 cm)
Born (1884-05-17)May 17, 1884
Waelder, Texas, US
Died December 23, 1921(1921-12-23) (aged 37)
New York City, US
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights 112
Wins 78
Wins by KO 60
Losses 18
Draws 13
No contests 3

Sam McVey or Sam McVea (May 17, 1884 – December 23, 1921) was a Hall of Fame heavyweight boxer who fought during the early 20th century. McVey ranked alongside Jack Johnson, Joe Jeanette, Sam Langford, and Harry Wills as the top black heavyweights of their generation. All of them, except Johnson, were denied a shot at the world heavyweight championship due to the color bar, which ironically was maintained by Johnson when he became the first black fighter to win the world heavyweight title. Despite being denied a title shot, McVea enjoyed a famed career that took him across the globe.

In 96 documented fights in at least 10 different countries, McVey only lost 16 bouts. His greatest wins include two victories over both Sam Langford and Harry Wills, which won him the World Colored Heavyweight Championship on two occasions, respectively. In his later, years he worked as a trainer and sparring partner for both black and white fighters training for important bouts.

Biography

Sam McVey & Al Reich
McVey (left) posing with fellow boxer Al Reich

Fighting out of Oxnard, California, McVey stood 5′10½″ inches tall and fought at a weight of between 205 and 220 lbs. He relied more on brute strength than finesse in the ring. His first pro fight listed on boxrec took place in 1902 at the age of 18, but a newspaper from 1902, on his then-upcoming fight with Jack Fogarty, lists five earlier fights he won in Australia, and a further two that took place in California. However In those days, few mixed-race fights took place, so McVey frequently fought the other top black boxers of his time, including Sam Langford (15 times), Joe Jeanette (5 times), Harry Wills (5 times), and Jack Johnson (3 times). Overall, McVey's boxing record was 65 wins, 16 losses, and 12 draws.

McVey spent much of his prime years fighting overseas. He left for Paris in 1907 and fought there for four years. McVey left Paris in 1911 for Australia. He fought there for three more years before finally returning to the U.S.

On December 31, 1908 in Paris, Sam McVey competed in a mixed style bout against jujutsu expert Tano Matsuda, knocking him out in ten seconds. In the earlier part of this century, such bouts were occasionally held in Japan pitting western boxers against judo or jujutsu fighters.

On April 17, 1909, in Paris, Sam McVey fought Joe Jeanette in a bout considered one of the greatest and certainly one of the longest of the 20th century. The fight went 50 rounds and lasted three and a half hours. McVey was generally agreed to be winning through most of the fight, particularly the 21st and 22nd round, knocking Jeanette down repeatedly. By the 40th round, however, Jeanette had recovered while McVey was lagging and knocked down repeatedly. Ultimately McVey's eyes had swollen shut and he was forced to quit.

In 1912, McVey was one of the contenders for the World Colored Heavyweight Championship fought at various venues across Australia. Sam Langford his opponent, was a Black Canadian popularly known as the Boston Tar Baby and reputedly one of the greatest fighters of all time, beating champions in the lightweight to heavyweight classes. Before the matches, the boxers gave demonstrations of their skill. Before his beating, Sam McVea in the Exhibition Rink Buildings in Perth, Sam Langford stayed at the Nedlands Park Hotel where he:

gave exhibitions of punching the ball, throwing the medicine bag sparring, etc. His work was a revelation. Langford allowed his sparring partners to hit him just when and where they pleased. After witnessing his exhibition of wonderful foot and head work one could easily understand how the big-little fellow came to lay low the best boxers in the world. Langford is as fast on his feet and as graceful as a ballet-dancer. He carries a punch like unto that of a kick of a mule, and is practically impervious to punishment. Dick Cullen hit him some terrific punches on the chin last Wednesday - punches that would have put the ordinary boxer away for the full count; but the Tar Baby only grinned and shoved out his head for more. He is truly a remarkable fighter.

McVey contracted pneumonia and died December 23, 1921, in New York City, penniless while still an active fighter. His burial and grave marker were paid for by Jack Johnson.

Legacy & honors

In 2020 award-winning author Mark Allen Baker published the first comprehensive account of The World Colored Heavyweight Championship, 1876-1937, with McFarland & Company, a leading independent publisher of academic & nonfiction books. This history traces the advent and demise of the Championship, the stories of the talented professional athletes who won it, and the demarcation of the color line both in and out of the ring.

For decades the World Colored Heavyweight Championship was a useful tool to combat racial oppression-the existence of the title a leverage mechanism, or tool, used as a technique to counter a social element, “drawing the color line.”

McVey was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1999.

Professional boxing record

All information in this section is derived from BoxRec, unless otherwise stated.

Official record

Professional record summary
112 fights 74 wins 14 losses
By knockout 60 5
By decision 13 9
By disqualification 1 0
Draws 10
No contests 3
Newspaper decisions/draws 11

All newspaper decisions are officially regarded as “no decision” bouts and are not counted to the win/loss/draw column.

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
112 Draw 74–14–10 (14) Jeff Clark NWS 10 Aug 1, 1921 Rossmere Park, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, US
111 Win 74–14–10 (13) Jeff Clark NWS 10 Jul 7, 1921 Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
110 Win 74–14–10 (12) Jeff Clark PTS 12 Mar 21, 1921 Columbus, Ohio, US
109 NC 73–14–10 (12) Jack Thompson NC 6 (10) Mar 18, 1921 Moose Temple, Detroit, Michigan, US McVea was hit with body blows. He held excessively,
so the referee declared a no contest
108 NC 73–14–10 (11) Harry Wills NC 6 (8) Sep 8, 1920 Ice Palace, Philadelphia, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
Fight stopped for "stalling"
107 Win 73–14–10 (10) Jack Ward KO 2 (10) Sep 1, 1920 Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, US
106 Loss 72–14–10 (10) Sam Langford NWS 10 Aug 14, 1920 East Chicago, Indiana, US
105 Loss 72–14–10 (9) Pinky Lewis PTS 10 Aug 5, 1920 Tulsa, Oklahoma, US
104 Win 72–13–10 (9) Clem Johnson KO 4 (15) Dec 15, 1918 Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama
103 Draw 71–13–10 (9) Jack Livingstone PTS 10 Sep 14, 1918 Broadway Theater, Colon City, Panama
102 Loss 71–13–9 (9) Harry Wills PTS 20 Jun 16, 1918 Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama
101 Loss 71–12–9 (9) Harry Wills KO 5 (20) Feb 17, 1918 Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama
100 Win 71–11–9 (9) Battling Jim Johnson PTS 25 Oct 14, 1917 Broadway Theater, Colon City, Panama
99 Win 70–11–9 (9) Battling Jim Johnson PTS 20 Aug 12, 1917 Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama Fought outside in heavy rain
98 Win 69–11–9 (9) Jeff Clark TKO 15 (20) Jul 15, 1917 Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama
97 Win 68–11–9 (9) Jeff Clark PTS 20 May 13, 1917 Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama
96 Win 67–11–9 (9) Jim Barry TKO 7 (20) Mar 11, 1917 Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama
95 Win 66–11–9 (9) Jim Briggs KO 2 (10) Jan 27, 1917 Santa Ana Plaza, Panama City, Panama
94 Win 65–11–9 (9) Fitz Brathwaite KO 1 (10) Jan 27, 1917 Santa Ana Plaza, Panama City, Panama
93 Win 64–11–9 (9) Jack Livingstone KO 5 (15) Jan 14, 1917 Garden Theater, Colon City, Panama
92 Win 63–11–9 (9) Bob Devere PTS 10 Sep 20, 1916 Santiago de Chile, Chile
91 Draw 62–11–9 (9) Bob Devere PTS 20 Sep 3, 1916 Santiago de Chile, Chile
90 Draw 62–11–8 (9) Sam Langford PTS 20 Aug 12, 1916 Teatro Roma, Avellaneda, Argentina For world colored heavyweight title
89 Draw 62–11–7 (9) Sam Langford NWS 12 May 2, 1916 East Market St. Rink, Akron, Ohio, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
88 Loss 62–11–7 (8) Jack Thompson PTS 8 Apr 14, 1916 Future City A.C., Saint Louis, Missouri, US
87 Loss 62–10–7 (8) Sam Langford NWS 10 Apr 7, 1916 Arena, Syracuse, New York, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
86 Loss 62–10–7 (7) Sam Langford NWS 10 Feb 17, 1916 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
85 Draw 62–10–7 (6) Sam Langford NWS 10 Oct 23, 1915 American A.C., New York City, New York, US
84 Win 62–10–7 (5) Jeff Clark PTS 10 Oct 15, 1915 North Side A.C., Kansas City, Missouri, US
83 Draw 61–10–7 (5) Sam Langford PTS 20 Sep 30, 1915 Stockyards Stadium, Denver, Colorado, US
82 Loss 61–10–6 (5) Harry Wills PTS 12 Sep 7, 1915 Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US Lost world colored heavyweight title
81 Win 61–9–6 (5) Sam Langford KO 8 (12) Aug 10, 1915 Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US
80 Win 60–9–6 (5) Sam Langford PTS 12 Jun 29, 1915 Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US Won world colored heavyweight title
79 Win 59–9–6 (5) Battling Jim Johnson NWS 10 Jun 9, 1915 Gayety Theatre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
78 Win 59–9–6 (4) Harry Wills NWS 10 May 19, 1915 St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, US
77 Draw 59–9–6 (3) Joe Jennette PTS 12 Apr 27, 1915 Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US For world colored heavyweight title
76 Win 59–9–5 (3) Battling Jim Johnson PTS 20 Feb 20, 1915 Havana, Cuba
75 Win 58–9–5 (3) Harry Wills PTS 20 Dec 20, 1914 McDonoghville Park, New Orleans, Louisiana, US
74 Win 57–9–5 (3) Battling Jim Johnson NWS 10 Dec 10, 1914 Fairmont A.C., New York City, New York, US
73 Win 57–9–5 (2) Arthur Pelkey KO 4 (20) Jun 13, 1914 Baker's Pavilion, Melbourne, Australia
72 Win 56–9–5 (2) Colin Bell KO 2 (20) Dec 27, 1913 Olympia A.C. Newtown, Sydney, Australia
71 Win 55–9–5 (2) Professor Stevenson KO 5 (10) Nov 6, 1913 Rink Hall, Lismore, Australia
70 Win 54–9–5 (2) Colin Bell TKO 16 (20) Apr 19, 1913 National Arena, Adelaide, Australia Won South Australia State heavyweight titles
69 Draw 53–9–5 (2) Sam Langford PTS 20 Mar 24, 1913 Olympic Stadium, Brisbane, Australia For world colored heavyweight titles
68 Loss 53–9–4 (2) Sam Langford KO 13 (20) Dec 26, 1912 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, Australia For Australian and world colored heavyweight titles
67 Loss 53–8–4 (2) Sam Langford TKO 11 (20) Oct 9, 1912 Exhibition Stadium, Perth, Australia For Australian and world colored heavyweight titles;
McVey claimed a foul. This was not allowed and he refused to continue
66 Loss 53–7–4 (2) Sam Langford PTS 20 Aug 3, 1912 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, Australia For Australian and world colored heavyweight titles
65 Loss 53–6–4 (2) Sam Langford PTS 20 Apr 8, 1912 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, Australia Lost Australian and world colored heavyweight titles
64 Win 53–5–4 (2) Jim Barry PTS 20 Mar 16, 1912 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, Australia
63 Win 52–5–4 (2) Sam Langford PTS 20 Dec 26, 1911 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, Australia Retained Australian heavyweight title;
Won world colored heavyweight title
62 Win 51–5–4 (2) Jack Lester TKO 8 (20) Dec 11, 1911 Olympic Stadium, Brisbane, Australia Retained Australian heavyweight title
61 Win 50–5–4 (2) Bill Lang KO 2 (20) Oct 28, 1911 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, Australia Retained Australian heavyweight title
60 Win 49–5–4 (2) Jack Lester PTS 20 Sep 30, 1911 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, Australia Won Australian heavyweight title
59 Win 48–5–4 (2) Alf Langford KO 9 (15) Aug 3, 1911 Artillery Drill Hall, Sheffield, England, UK
58 Win 47–5–4 (2) George Rodel KO 1 (20) Jul 20, 1911 Liverpool Stadium, Pudsey Street, Liverpool, England, UK
57 Win 46–5–4 (2) Andrew Dixon KO 4 (20) May 25, 1911 Cirque-Théâtre, Angers, France
56 Draw 45–5–4 (2) Sam Langford PTS 20 Apr 1, 1911 Cirque de Paris, Paris, France For world colored heavyweight title
55 Win 45–5–3 (2) Charley Harris KO 3 (?) Feb 25, 1911 Apollo-Cirque, Nancy, France
54 Win 44–5–3 (2) Seaman Fred Parsons KO 1 (15) Jan 14, 1911 Bâtiment Électoral, Geneva, Switzerland
53 Win 43–5–3 (2) Battling Jim Johnson KO 21 (25) Nov 19, 1910 Luna Park Skating Rink, Paris, France
52 Win 42–5–3 (2) Sergeant Sunshine KO 1 (?) Oct 22, 1910 Hippodrome, Paris, Belgium
51 Win 41–5–3 (2) Peter Rice TKO 3 (?) Oct 17, 1910 Brussels Rinking, Brussels, Belgium
50 Draw 40–5–3 (2) Battling Jim Johnson PTS 15 Aug 7, 1910 Neuilly-sur-Seine, France
49 Win 40–5–2 (2) Peter Rice KO 4 (?) Jul 22, 1910 Salle de la Pépinière, Paris, France
48 Win 39–5–2 (2) Joe Grim TKO 13 (20) Jun 25, 1910 Hippodrome, Paris, France
47 Win 38–5–2 (2) Jim Stewart TKO 6 (25) Apr 16, 1910 Cirque de Paris, Paris, France
46 Win 37–5–2 (2) Arthur Bennett KO 4 (25) Apr 13, 1910 Apollo-Cirque, Nancy, France
45 Win 36–5–2 (2) Herbert Sinnott KO 5 Mar 25, 1910 Grand-Théâtre, Saint-Etienne, France A fight to the finish
44 Win 35–5–2 (2) Al Kubiak KO 10 (20) Feb 26, 1910 Wonderland, Paris, France
43 Win 34–5–2 (2) Fred Drummond KO 5 (?) Jan 27, 1910 Le Havre, France
42 Draw 33–5–2 (2) Joe Jennette PTS 30 Dec 11, 1909 Cirque d'Hiver, Paris, France For world colored heavyweight title
41 Win 33–5–1 (2) Fred Drummond KO 7 (20) Jul 4, 1909 Praça de Touros do Campo Pequeno, Lisbon, Portugal
40 Win 32–5–1 (2) Jim Barry DQ 15 (20) Jun 26, 1909 Cirque de Paris, Paris, France
39 Win 31–5–1 (2) Bill Harris KO 5 May 30, 1909 Arènes du Rond-Point du Prado, Marseille, France A fight to the finish
38 Win 30–5–1 (2) Fred Drummond KO 5 (20) Apr 24, 1909 Nouveau Cirque, Orléans, France
37 Loss 29–5–1 (2) Joe Jennette RTD 49 (?) Apr 17, 1909 Cirque de Paris, Paris, France Lost world colored heavyweight title
36 Win 29–4–1 (2) 'Cyclone' Billy Warren KO 2 (?) Apr 9, 1909 Tivoli Boxing-Hall, Paris, France Retained world colored heavyweight title
35 Win 28–4–1 (2) Joe Jennette PTS 20 Feb 20, 1909 Salle des Fêtes, Roubaix, France Won vacant world colored heavyweight title
34 Win 27–4–1 (2) Herbert Sinnott KO 5 (15) Feb 5, 1909 Salle des Fêtes, Roubaix, France
33 Win 26–4–1 (2) Bill Rickard KO 1 (?), 0:06 Jan 23, 1909 Folies Bergère, Paris, France
32 Draw 25–4–1 (2) Fred Drummond PTS ? Dec 18, 1908 Théâtre de l'Eldorado, Montpellier, France
31 NC 25–4 (2) Fred Drummond NC ? (?) Dec 17, 1908 Théâtre de l'Eldorado, Montpellier, France
30 Win 25–4 (1) Camerlings TKO 1 (?) Nov 18, 1908 Scala, Brussels, Belgium
29 Win 24–4 (1) Herbert Sinnott KO 5 (20) Nov 14, 1908 Hippodrome, Paris, France
28 Win 23–4 (1) Guionnet TKO 3 (?) Oct 14, 1908 Bordeaux, France
27 Win 22–4 (1) Harry Shearing KO 1 (?) Sep 19, 1908 Paris, France
26 Win 21–4 (1) Fred Drummond KO 4 (15) Jul 18, 1908 Scala, Oostende, Belgium
25 Win 20–4 (1) Charlie Wilson KO 3 (20) Jul 12, 1908 Velodrome du Karreveld, Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, Belgium
24 Win 19–4 (1) Georges Rampazzi KO 3 (?) Jul 1, 1908 Biarritz, France Exact date unknown
23 Win 18–4 (1) Jewey Smith KO 3 (20) May 23, 1908 Porte Maillot, Paris, France
22 Win 17–4 (1) Ben Taylor KO 11 (15) Apr 15, 1908 Hippodrome, Paris, France
21 Win 16–4 (1) Harry Shearing TKO 5 (?) Feb 15, 1908 Neuilly Bowling Palace, Paris, France
20 Win 15–4 (1) Jack Scales KO 2 (15) Dec 28, 1907 Salle Wagram, Paris, France
19 Win 14–4 (1) Marc Gaucher KO 4 (?) Oct 24, 1907 Folies Bergère, Paris, France
18 Win 13–4 (1) Ben Taylor KO 3 (10) Jun 3, 1907 National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England, UK
17 Loss 12–4 (1) Joe Jennette NWS 10 Apr 15, 1907 Lyric Hall, New York City, New York, US
16 Win 12–4 Denver Ed Martin KO 16 (20) Feb 28, 1907 Old Pavilion, Sacramento, California, US
15 Win 11–4 Sailor Matt Turner KO 2 (20), 1:15 Nov 29, 1906 Farragut Theater, Vallejo, California, US
14 Win 10–4 Tornado Smith KO 1 (?) Feb 24, 1906 Bakersfield, California, US
13 Win 9–4 Denver Ed Martin KO 4 (20) Jan 25, 1906 National A.C., San Diego, California, US
12 Loss 8–4 Denver Ed Martin PTS 10 Aug 12, 1904 Hazard's Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, US
11 Loss 8–3 Jack Johnson KO 20 (20) Apr 22, 1904 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US For world colored heavyweight title
10 Loss 8–2 Jack Johnson PTS 20 Oct 27, 1903 Hazard's Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, US For world colored heavyweight title
9 Win 8–1 Denver Ed Martin KO 1 (20), 2:37 Sep 15, 1903 Hazard's Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, US
8 Win 7–1 Kid Carter KO 11 (20) May 5, 1903 Hazard's Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, US
7 Loss 6–1 Jack Johnson PTS 20 Feb 26, 1903 Hazard's Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, US For world colored heavyweight title
6 Win 6–0 Jack Kid Lavalle KO 1 (10), 0:30 Jan 31, 1903 Oxnard, California, US
5 Win 5–0 Jim 'Toothpick' Kelly KO 4 (?) Jan 6, 1903 Hazard's Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, US
4 Win 4–0 Fred Russell KO 5 (20) Nov 1, 1902 Auditorium, Oxnard, California, US
3 Win 3–0 Jack Fogarty KO 5 (?) Oct 9, 1902 Oxnard, California, US
2 Win 2–0 Herb McKell KO 3 (?) Jun 19, 1902 Pioneer Hall, Oxnard, California, US
1 Win 1–0 George Sullivan KO 6 (20) Apr 12, 1902 Auditorium, Oxnard, California, US

Unofficial record

Professional record summary
112 fights 78 wins 18 losses
By knockout 60 5
By decision 17 13
By disqualification 1 0
Draws 13
No contests 3

Record with the inclusion of newspaper decisions to the win/loss/draw column.

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
112 Draw 78–18–13 (3) Jeff Clark NWS 10 Aug 1, 1921 Rossmere Park, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, US
111 Win 78–18–12 (3) Jeff Clark NWS 10 Jul 7, 1921 Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
110 Win 77–18–12 (3) Jeff Clark PTS 12 Mar 21, 1921 Columbus, Ohio, US
109 NC 76–18–12 (3) Jack Thompson NC 6 (10) Mar 18, 1921 Moose Temple, Detroit, Michigan, US McVea was hit with body blows. He held excessively,
so the referee declared a no contest
108 NC 76–18–12 (2) Harry Wills NC 6 (8) Sep 8, 1920 Ice Palace, Philadelphia, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
Fight stopped for "stalling"
107 Win 76–18–12 (1) Jack Ward KO 2 (10) Sep 1, 1920 Auditorium, Atlanta, Georgia, US
106 Loss 75–18–12 (1) Sam Langford NWS 10 Aug 14, 1920 East Chicago, Indiana, US
105 Loss 75–17–12 (1) Pinky Lewis PTS 10 Aug 5, 1920 Tulsa, Oklahoma, US
104 Win 75–16–12 (1) Clem Johnson KO 4 (15) Dec 15, 1918 Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama
103 Draw 74–16–12 (1) Jack Livingstone PTS 10 Sep 14, 1918 Broadway Theater, Colon City, Panama
102 Loss 74–16–11 (1) Harry Wills PTS 20 Jun 16, 1918 Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama
101 Loss 74–15–11 (1) Harry Wills KO 5 (20) Feb 17, 1918 Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama
100 Win 74–14–11 (1) Battling Jim Johnson PTS 25 Oct 14, 1917 Broadway Theater, Colon City, Panama
99 Win 73–14–11 (1) Battling Jim Johnson PTS 20 Aug 12, 1917 Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama Fought outside in heavy rain
98 Win 72–14–11 (1) Jeff Clark TKO 15 (20) Jul 15, 1917 Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama
97 Win 71–14–11 (1) Jeff Clark PTS 20 May 13, 1917 Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama
96 Win 70–14–11 (1) Jim Barry TKO 7 (20) Mar 11, 1917 Plaza de Toros Vista Alegre, Panama City, Panama
95 Win 69–14–11 (1) Jim Briggs KO 2 (10) Jan 27, 1917 Santa Ana Plaza, Panama City, Panama
94 Win 68–14–11 (1) Fitz Brathwaite KO 1 (10) Jan 27, 1917 Santa Ana Plaza, Panama City, Panama
93 Win 67–14–11 (1) Jack Livingstone KO 5 (15) Jan 14, 1917 Garden Theater, Colon City, Panama
92 Win 66–14–11 (1) Bob Devere PTS 10 Sep 20, 1916 Santiago de Chile, Chile
91 Draw 65–14–11 (1) Bob Devere PTS 20 Sep 3, 1916 Santiago de Chile, Chile
90 Draw 65–14–10 (1) Sam Langford PTS 20 Aug 12, 1916 Teatro Roma, Avellaneda, Argentina For world colored heavyweight title
89 Draw 65–14–9 (1) Sam Langford NWS 12 May 2, 1916 East Market St. Rink, Akron, Ohio, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
88 Loss 65–14–8 (1) Jack Thompson PTS 8 Apr 14, 1916 Future City A.C., Saint Louis, Missouri, US
87 Loss 65–13–8 (1) Sam Langford NWS 10 Apr 7, 1916 Arena, Syracuse, New York, US World colored heavyweight title at stake;
(via KO only)
86 Loss 65–12–8 (1) Sam Langford NWS 10 Feb 17, 1916 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US
85 Draw 65–11–8 (1) Sam Langford NWS 10 Oct 23, 1915 American A.C., New York City, New York, US
84 Win 65–11–7 (1) Jeff Clark PTS 10 Oct 15, 1915 North Side A.C., Kansas City, Missouri, US
83 Draw 64–11–7 (1) Sam Langford PTS 20 Sep 30, 1915 Stockyards Stadium, Denver, Colorado, US
82 Loss 64–11–6 (1) Harry Wills PTS 12 Sep 7, 1915 Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US Lost world colored heavyweight title
81 Win 64–10–6 (1) Sam Langford KO 8 (12) Aug 10, 1915 Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US
80 Win 63–10–6 (1) Sam Langford PTS 12 Jun 29, 1915 Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US Won world colored heavyweight title
79 Win 62–10–6 (1) Battling Jim Johnson NWS 10 Jun 9, 1915 Gayety Theatre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
78 Win 61–10–6 (1) Harry Wills NWS 10 May 19, 1915 St. Nicholas Arena, New York City, New York, US
77 Draw 60–10–6 (1) Joe Jennette PTS 12 Apr 27, 1915 Atlas A.A., Boston, Massachusetts, US For world colored heavyweight title
76 Win 60–10–5 (1) Battling Jim Johnson PTS 20 Feb 20, 1915 Havana, Cuba
75 Win 59–10–5 (1) Harry Wills PTS 20 Dec 20, 1914 McDonoghville Park, New Orleans, Louisiana, US
74 Win 58–10–5 (1) Battling Jim Johnson NWS 10 Dec 10, 1914 Fairmont A.C., New York City, New York, US
73 Win 57–10–5 (1) Arthur Pelkey KO 4 (20) Jun 13, 1914 Baker's Pavilion, Melbourne, Australia
72 Win 56–10–5 (1) Colin Bell KO 2 (20) Dec 27, 1913 Olympia A.C. Newtown, Sydney, Australia
71 Win 55–10–5 (1) Professor Stevenson KO 5 (10) Nov 6, 1913 Rink Hall, Lismore, Australia
70 Win 54–10–5 (1) Colin Bell TKO 16 (20) Apr 19, 1913 National Arena, Adelaide, Australia Won South Australia State heavyweight titles
69 Draw 53–10–5 (1) Sam Langford PTS 20 Mar 24, 1913 Olympic Stadium, Brisbane, Australia For world colored heavyweight titles
68 Loss 53–10–4 (1) Sam Langford KO 13 (20) Dec 26, 1912 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, Australia For Australian and world colored heavyweight titles
67 Loss 53–9–4 (1) Sam Langford TKO 11 (20) Oct 9, 1912 Exhibition Stadium, Perth, Australia For Australian and world colored heavyweight titles;
McVey claimed a foul. This was not allowed and he refused to continue
66 Loss 53–8–4 (1) Sam Langford PTS 20 Aug 3, 1912 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, Australia For Australian and world colored heavyweight titles
65 Loss 53–7–4 (1) Sam Langford PTS 20 Apr 8, 1912 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, Australia Lost Australian and world colored heavyweight titles
64 Win 53–6–4 (1) Jim Barry PTS 20 Mar 16, 1912 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, Australia
63 Win 52–6–4 (1) Sam Langford PTS 20 Dec 26, 1911 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, Australia Retained Australian heavyweight title;
Won world colored heavyweight title
62 Win 51–6–4 (1) Jack Lester TKO 8 (20) Dec 11, 1911 Olympic Stadium, Brisbane, Australia Retained Australian heavyweight title
61 Win 50–6–4 (1) Bill Lang KO 2 (20) Oct 28, 1911 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, Australia Retained Australian heavyweight title
60 Win 49–6–4 (1) Jack Lester PTS 20 Sep 30, 1911 Sydney Stadium, Sydney, Australia Won Australian heavyweight title
59 Win 48–6–4 (1) Alf Langford KO 9 (15) Aug 3, 1911 Artillery Drill Hall, Sheffield, England, UK
58 Win 47–6–4 (1) George Rodel KO 1 (20) Jul 20, 1911 Liverpool Stadium, Pudsey Street, Liverpool, England, UK
57 Win 46–6–4 (1) Andrew Dixon KO 4 (20) May 25, 1911 Cirque-Théâtre, Angers, France
56 Draw 45–6–4 (1) Sam Langford PTS 20 Apr 1, 1911 Cirque de Paris, Paris, France For world colored heavyweight title
55 Win 45–6–3 (1) Charley Harris KO 3 (?) Feb 25, 1911 Apollo-Cirque, Nancy, France
54 Win 44–6–3 (1) Seaman Fred Parsons KO 1 (15) Jan 14, 1911 Bâtiment Électoral, Geneva, Switzerland
53 Win 43–6–3 (1) Battling Jim Johnson KO 21 (25) Nov 19, 1910 Luna Park Skating Rink, Paris, France
52 Win 42–6–3 (1) Sergeant Sunshine KO 1 (?) Oct 22, 1910 Hippodrome, Paris, Belgium
51 Win 41–6–3 (1) Peter Rice TKO 3 (?) Oct 17, 1910 Brussels Rinking, Brussels, Belgium
50 Draw 40–6–3 (1) Battling Jim Johnson PTS 15 Aug 7, 1910 Neuilly-sur-Seine, France
49 Win 40–6–2 (1) Peter Rice KO 4 (?) Jul 22, 1910 Salle de la Pépinière, Paris, France
48 Win 39–6–2 (1) Joe Grim TKO 13 (20) Jun 25, 1910 Hippodrome, Paris, France
47 Win 38–6–2 (1) Jim Stewart TKO 6 (25) Apr 16, 1910 Cirque de Paris, Paris, France
46 Win 37–6–2 (1) Arthur Bennett KO 4 (25) Apr 13, 1910 Apollo-Cirque, Nancy, France
45 Win 36–6–2 (1) Herbert Sinnott KO 5 Mar 25, 1910 Grand-Théâtre, Saint-Etienne, France A fight to the finish
44 Win 35–6–2 (1) Al Kubiak KO 10 (20) Feb 26, 1910 Wonderland, Paris, France
43 Win 34–6–2 (1) Fred Drummond KO 5 (?) Jan 27, 1910 Le Havre, France
42 Draw 33–6–2 (1) Joe Jennette PTS 30 Dec 11, 1909 Cirque d'Hiver, Paris, France For world colored heavyweight title
41 Win 33–6–1 (1) Fred Drummond KO 7 (20) Jul 4, 1909 Praça de Touros do Campo Pequeno, Lisbon, Portugal
40 Win 32–6–1 (1) Jim Barry DQ 15 (20) Jun 26, 1909 Cirque de Paris, Paris, France
39 Win 31–6–1 (1) Bill Harris KO 5 May 30, 1909 Arènes du Rond-Point du Prado, Marseille, France A fight to the finish
38 Win 30–6–1 (1) Fred Drummond KO 5 (20) Apr 24, 1909 Nouveau Cirque, Orléans, France
37 Loss 29–6–1 (1) Joe Jennette RTD 49 (?) Apr 17, 1909 Cirque de Paris, Paris, France Lost world colored heavyweight title
36 Win 29–5–1 (1) 'Cyclone' Billy Warren KO 2 (?) Apr 9, 1909 Tivoli Boxing-Hall, Paris, France Retained world colored heavyweight title
35 Win 28–5–1 (1) Joe Jennette PTS 20 Feb 20, 1909 Salle des Fêtes, Roubaix, France Won vacant world colored heavyweight title
34 Win 27–5–1 (1) Herbert Sinnott KO 5 (15) Feb 5, 1909 Salle des Fêtes, Roubaix, France
33 Win 26–5–1 (1) Bill Rickard KO 1 (?), 0:06 Jan 23, 1909 Folies Bergère, Paris, France
32 Draw 25–5–1 (1) Fred Drummond PTS ? Dec 18, 1908 Théâtre de l'Eldorado, Montpellier, France
31 NC 25–5 (1) Fred Drummond NC ? (?) Dec 17, 1908 Théâtre de l'Eldorado, Montpellier, France
30 Win 25–5 Camerlings TKO 1 (?) Nov 18, 1908 Scala, Brussels, Belgium
29 Win 24–5 Herbert Sinnott KO 5 (20) Nov 14, 1908 Hippodrome, Paris, France
28 Win 23–5 Guionnet TKO 3 (?) Oct 14, 1908 Bordeaux, France
27 Win 22–5 Harry Shearing KO 1 (?) Sep 19, 1908 Paris, France
26 Win 21–5 Fred Drummond KO 4 (15) Jul 18, 1908 Scala, Oostende, Belgium
25 Win 20–5 Charlie Wilson KO 3 (20) Jul 12, 1908 Velodrome du Karreveld, Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, Belgium
24 Win 19–5 Georges Rampazzi KO 3 (?) Jul 1, 1908 Biarritz, France Exact date unknown
23 Win 18–5 Jewey Smith KO 3 (20) May 23, 1908 Porte Maillot, Paris, France
22 Win 17–5 Ben Taylor KO 11 (15) Apr 15, 1908 Hippodrome, Paris, France
21 Win 16–5 Harry Shearing TKO 5 (?) Feb 15, 1908 Neuilly Bowling Palace, Paris, France
20 Win 15–5 Jack Scales KO 2 (15) Dec 28, 1907 Salle Wagram, Paris, France
19 Win 14–5 Marc Gaucher KO 4 (?) Oct 24, 1907 Folies Bergère, Paris, France
18 Win 13–5 Ben Taylor KO 3 (10) Jun 3, 1907 National Sporting Club, Covent Garden, London, England, UK
17 Loss 12–5 Joe Jennette NWS 10 Apr 15, 1907 Lyric Hall, New York City, New York, US
16 Win 12–4 Denver Ed Martin KO 16 (20) Feb 28, 1907 Old Pavilion, Sacramento, California, US
15 Win 11–4 Sailor Matt Turner KO 2 (20), 1:15 Nov 29, 1906 Farragut Theater, Vallejo, California, US
14 Win 10–4 Tornado Smith KO 1 (?) Feb 24, 1906 Bakersfield, California, US
13 Win 9–4 Denver Ed Martin KO 4 (20) Jan 25, 1906 National A.C., San Diego, California, US
12 Loss 8–4 Denver Ed Martin PTS 10 Aug 12, 1904 Hazard's Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, US
11 Loss 8–3 Jack Johnson KO 20 (20) Apr 22, 1904 Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US For world colored heavyweight title
10 Loss 8–2 Jack Johnson PTS 20 Oct 27, 1903 Hazard's Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, US For world colored heavyweight title
9 Win 8–1 Denver Ed Martin KO 1 (20), 2:37 Sep 15, 1903 Hazard's Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, US
8 Win 7–1 Kid Carter KO 11 (20) May 5, 1903 Hazard's Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, US
7 Loss 6–1 Jack Johnson PTS 20 Feb 26, 1903 Hazard's Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, US For world colored heavyweight title
6 Win 6–0 Jack Kid Lavalle KO 1 (10), 0:30 Jan 31, 1903 Oxnard, California, US
5 Win 5–0 Jim 'Toothpick' Kelly KO 4 (?) Jan 6, 1903 Hazard's Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, US
4 Win 4–0 Fred Russell KO 5 (20) Nov 1, 1902 Auditorium, Oxnard, California, US
3 Win 3–0 Jack Fogarty KO 5 (?) Oct 9, 1902 Oxnard, California, US
2 Win 2–0 Herb McKell KO 3 (?) Jun 19, 1902 Pioneer Hall, Oxnard, California, US
1 Win 1–0 George Sullivan KO 6 (20) Apr 12, 1902 Auditorium, Oxnard, California, US
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