On this date in 1805, Bill Richmond, the son of formerly enslaved parents, made history as the first African American to gain recognition as a prizefighter. He knocked out Jack Holmes in England, solidifying his reputation as a skilled and strategic boxer.
Born in 1763 in Staten Island, New York, Richmond moved to England, where he built a successful boxing career despite racial barriers. Known for his agility and technical skill, he fought some of the top fighters of his era and later became a respected trainer.
His legacy paved the way for future Black athletes in combat sports, making him a key figure in boxing history. ?
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