On this date in 1892, George “Little Chocolate” Dixon defeats Jack Skelly in New Orleans to win the world featherweight title. While some African American citizens celebrate for two days, the New Orleans Times-Democrat says, “a mistake to match a negro and a white man, a mistake to bring the races together on any terms of equality, even in the prize ring.” After this fight, segregation appeared in the boxing ring.

Dixon was noted for his defensive skills and precise style, and for many years after his retirement in 1906 he was hailed as a pioneer of “scientific” boxing.