He was feared and respected, supported and hated, exalted and envied, cheered for and hoped against, writes itoronto.info. Such a spectrum of emotions surrounded Lawrence Samuel “Larry” Gaines, a renowned Black Canadian boxer of his time. A Canadian champion and one of the greatest heavyweights of his era, the gifted athlete won nearly all his bouts. His strategy, strength, and confidence left his opponents with little chance of victory.
Unfortunately, Gaines never achieved the title of world champion, as Black boxers were barred from competing for this distinction at the time.
However, this did not overshadow his success or stop him from becoming a multiple-time winner in various matches. Gaines demonstrated his prowess both on Canadian and international rings.
This article, based on sportshall.ca and boxrec.com, introduces one of Canada’s most accomplished and formidable boxers.
The Beginning of a Boxing Career
Gaines was born on December 12, 1900, in Toronto.
He developed an interest in boxing at the age of 20, training at the Præstamus Club.
A Life-Changing Decision
When his amateur career proved remarkably successful, Gaines decided to pursue boxing professionally. He traveled to Britain, making his debut in London in the summer of 1923.
Subsequent matches took place primarily in France and Germany. On February 28, 1927, Gaines earned the heavyweight championship title.
A Professional Boxer
In 1930, Gaines moved to England, where he fought most of his bouts in the following years.
Thanks to his remarkable agility, Gaines knocked out Phil Scott in 1931 in front of an audience of 30,000 spectators, securing another prestigious title.
Interestingly, Gaines became the second Black fighter to box at the Royal Albert Hall.
He was regarded as the best heavyweight of his time. However, strict regulations prohibited Black boxers from participating in the British Championship or the World Championship.
A Period of Misfortune
Gaines’ life took a downturn in 1934 when his earnings from boxing significantly dwindled. By 1937, financial struggles led him to declare bankruptcy.
In 1930, he began serving as a physical training instructor for the British Army.
Gaines fought his last bout in June 1942, which ended in defeat.
At the age of 40, he officially retired from boxing.
Over his professional career, Gaines participated in 143 fights, winning 115 of them. Five matches ended in draws. Most of his losses occurred during the later years of his career.
Gaines reported earning approximately $500,000 throughout his boxing career.
However, a significant portion of this money was lost to gambling.
In the end, it can be said that Gaines gambled away the success he had earned in the ring.
Personal Life
Gaines was more fortunate in his personal life. He married once and had four children with his wife.
In the summer of 1983, one of Canada’s most successful boxers passed away due to a heart attack while visiting family in Germany.Photo: thegoodestate.com, standard.co.uk