Internationally acclaimed boxer George Dixon from Africville was believed by many to be “the best self-trained man that ever stepped into the ring.” He is credited for developing the technique that is today called shadowboxing. Dixon is also thought to have been the first boxer to use the modern punching bag, which is suspended from the ceiling. He was the first Canadian and first Black person in the world to win the featherweight championship; in fact, he was the first Black world champion boxer in any weight class.

Written by Dr Valerie Mason-John
Performed by Trevor Silver