September 3, 1906; Goldfield, Nevada
Retains World Lightweight Title
 Gans and Nelson battle it out during the longest world title fight ever contested under the Queensberry rules. |
 Lightweight champion Gans, the famous "Old Master," was a brilliant boxer with knockout power in both fists. His challenger, Nelson, was neither a great boxer nor a particularly powerful hitter. But what he did have - endless stamina and the ability to absorb an incredible amount of punishment - enabled him to defeat some of the best fighters of his era. His style was primitive and his tactics often foul, but he rarely lost. Fighters exhausted themselves pounding away at his thick skull and indestructible body.Against Gans, "The Durable Dane" lived up to his nickname, sponging a brutal beating for the first 10 rounds. In the 11th, Nelson began to butt Gans in the clinches. In the 12th, he hit Gans low. In the 15th, Nelson tripped and fell to the canvas. Gans good-naturedly held out his hand to help the challenger to his feet. Upon rising, Nelson, still holding on to Gans' hand, threw a terrific surprise punch to the midsection. The crowd of 11,000 voiced its disapproval. Nelson could not have cared less. At the bell, he kicked Gans in the shins, and Gans kicked back.Even though he was being belted across the ring, Nelson was still able to butt, elbow, and gouge. In the 17th, 24th, and 32nd rounds, he was warned for punching low. But Gans did not become incapacitated, and referee George Siler allowed the bout to continue.By the 42nd round, Nelson's eye was shut tight and his entire face was battered out of shape. Gans did not look too good either. He had broken a bone in his left hand in the 32nd round and was bleeding from the ears and mouth. With only three rounds to go, Nelson, encouraged by his corner to foul out, threw a powerful right south of the border. Gans dropped to the canvas and was unable to fight on. With the crowd screaming, "Foul! Foul!" Siler disqualified Nelson and declared Gans the winner. |
From: The Ring, Dec. 1997
