# Joe Gans

Joe Gans (born Joseph Gant; November 25, 1874 – August 10, 1910) was an American professional boxer. Gans was rated the greatest lightweight boxer of all time by boxing historian and Ring Magazine founder Nat Fleischer. Known as the "Old Master," Gans became the first African-American world boxing champion of the 20th century, reigning continuously as world lightweight champion from 1902 to 1908, defending the title 15 times against 13 other boxers. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.

## Life and career
### Early life

Gans was born as Joseph Gant on November 25, 1874 in Baltimore, MD. He started boxing professionally in 1891 in Baltimore.

### Two fights in one day

On January 7, 1895, after knocking out Samuel Allen in three rounds, Allen's second, Bud Brown, immediately challenged Gans. Not backing down from a fight, Gans accepted and outpointed Brown in a 10-round points decision.

### Title bouts

On March 3, 1900, at the Broadway Athletic Club in New York, Gans quit with an eye injury in the twelfth round and lost via TKO while challenging lightweight champion Frank Erne in Gans' first title fight.
However, in their rematch two years later at the International A.C. in Fort Erie, Ontario, Gans knocked Erne out in one round to convincingly take the world lightweight title. "In the exchange, Gans got both hands to head, and Erne seemed a trifle dazed. Gans felt him out with a left shove to the face, drawing blood to nose. Erne seemed dazed, and Gans rushed and exchanged, putting right plump on Erne's jaw. Erne fell slowly to the floor with his mouth and nose bleeding, rolled over on his stomach, and was counted out before he could attempt to regain his feet." Gans had thus become the first-ever U.S.-born African-American boxing champion. (Canadian-born black George Dixon had won the world bantamweight title in 1892, and Barbados Joe Walcott had won the world welterweight title in 1901, but neither of them was U.S.-born.) Gans reigned as champion from 1902 to 1908.
On January 6, 1902, Gans defeated the former world welterweight champion, Canadian-born Eddie Connolly, in a five-round bout at the Washington Sports Club in Philadelphia.
One reporter noted that Connolly "did nothing but hug and wrestle, adding variety to his performance in the third by deliberately trying to butt the Baltimorean [Gans]." The reporter also noted that Connolly clinched frequently and "wrestled" rather than boxed, probably to protect himself from Gans' fierce assaults. By the time the referee ended the bout in the fifth round, Connolly had been "rendered practically helpless" by the powerful punching of Gans.
Gans also defended his Lightweight World Title against other talented boxers such as Steve Crosby and Gus Gardiner. There was also Charley Sieger, Kid McPartland, Rufe Turner, Charles "Elbows" McFadden, and Frank Erne.
In an important title defense, he defeated the "Durable Dane" Oscar "Battling" Nelson in 42 rounds on September 3, 1906, in Goldfield, Nevada. This blockbuster fight, arranged by legendary promoter Tex Rickard, would eventually be honored with a historic memorial.
On September 15, 1905, Gans fought to a 15-round prearranged draw with future Welterweight World Championship claimant Mike "Twin" Sullivan. Most people reporting on the fights believed that Sullivan deserved the decision. In an immediate rematch, he defeated Sullivan by knockout on January 19 and March 17, 1906, in San Francisco and Los Angeles and again in March of the same year.
Although the bout was recorded as a Welterweight Title match and thus supposedly had a weight limit of around 142 pounds (which was estimated to be Sullivan's weigh-in), Gans' weigh-in was estimated to have been 134 pounds. Gans' defeat of the heavier Sullivan, a strong puncher by reputation, showed his mastery in the ring. In this well-attended bout, Gans share of the gate was a considerable $2,425.20, and Sullivan's was $1,616.80. Gans reportedly had bet another $1,700 on himself.
Gans and Battling Nelson fought for the World Lightweight title twice in Colma, California: first on July 4 and again on September 9 of 1908. Gans lost the first fight by knockout in the 17th round of 45, ending his multi-year reign as champion; he lost the rematch via KO in the 21st round of 45. But there were reports that the conditions were laid down by Nelson's handlers. Gans had to weigh in at ringside at not more than 132 lbs fully dressed. Black fighters in those days deferred to the white men in a way we can't realise today. A very important point also is that Gans was actually dying by then of consumption, and in fact died less than 2 years later of the incurable disease.;;; So all was not exactly as it seemed.

### Draw with Barbados Joe Walcott

On September 30, 1904, Gans fought to a 20-round draw against Barbados Joe Walcott. "The San Francisco Chronicle reported that Walcott damaged ligaments in his left arm and that it was 'useless from the 4th round on.' It was announced before the fight that no title was at stake. Referee Jack Welch gave 7 rounds to Gans, 5 to Walcott, with 8 even, but thought that Walcott's aggressiveness compensated Gans' advantage in cleverness. Shortly after this fight, Walcott accidentally shot himself in the hand and was out of action until January 1906."

### Death

Joe Gans died on August 10, 1910, of tuberculosis, at the age of 35. He is buried in Mount Auburn Cemetery in Baltimore. His monument is maintained by the International Boxing Commission and sits just to the left of the main entrance of the cemetery.
His monument reads: "I was born in the city of Baltimore in the year 1874, and it might be well to state at this time that my right name is Joseph Gant, not Gans. However, when I became an object of newspaper publicity, some reporter made a mistake and my name appeared as Joe Gans, and as Joe Gans it remained ever since."

## Professional honors and legacy

Gans had a final professional record of 145 wins with 100 knockouts, 10 losses, 16 draws, 6 no contests and 19 no decisions (Newspaper Decisions: 13-2-4). He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
A bronze statue of Joe Gans stands on the suite floor at Madison Square Garden, having previously been outside of the locker rooms. Boxers would traditionally bump the statue's outstretched left fist for good luck before matches.
Gans' legendary fight with Battling Nelson on September 3, 1906, was commemorated with a memorial located in Goldfield, Nevada, at the site of the fight.
Gans was the first African-American to win a World Boxing Championship and the first to win a Lightweight Boxing title. Gans' achievements not only set new records, but gave African Americans hope in the early twentieth century. In a time of racial segregation, champion Joe Gans somehow emerged victorious.
Gans was rated the greatest Lightweight boxer of all-time by boxing historian and Ring Magazine founder Nat Fleischer.
One boxing historian writes of Gans: "Through his ring accomplishments, Gans put into action what others could only theorize. The articulation of the black quest for social equality reached large audiences through the pulpits, and the most authoritative sermons were published in newspapers and religious quarterlies."
On November 25, 2024, Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Baltimore mayor Brandon Scott issued proclamations recognizing the day as Joe Gans Day.

## Motion picture

The Gans-Nelson battle in Colma, California, was the subject of a four-reel motion picture that played in major cities around the country.

## Hemingway connection

Ernest Hemingway utilized Joe Gans as a character in his 1916 short story "A Matter of Colour." This early story set the stage for Hemingway's 1927 parable "The Killers."

## Professional boxing record

All information in this section is derived from BoxRec unless otherwise stated.

### Official record

| 199 fights | 147 wins | 10 losses |
| By knockout | 101 | 5 |
| By decision | 39 | 5 |
| By disqualification | 7 | 0 |
| Draws | 16 | 16 |
| No contests | 6 | 6 |
| Newspaper decisions/draws | 20 | 20 |
All newspaper decisions are officially regarded as "no decision" bouts and are not counted in the win/loss/draw column.
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
| 199 | Win | 147–10–16 (26) | Jabez White | NWS | 10 | Mar 12, 1909 | National S.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 198 | Loss | 147–10–16 (25) | Battling Nelson | KO | 21 (45) | Sep 9, 1908 | Mission Street Arena, Colma, California, US | For world lightweight title |
| 197 | Loss | 147–9–16 (25) | Battling Nelson | KO | 17 (45) | Jul 4, 1908 | Mission Street Arena, Colma, California, US | Lost world lightweight title |
| 196 | Win | 147–8–16 (25) | Rudy Unholz | TKO | 11 (20) | May 14, 1908 | Coliseum, San Francisco, California, US | Retained world lightweight title |
| 195 | Win | 146–8–16 (25) | Frank 'Spike' Robson | TKO | 3 (6), 2:25 | Apr 1, 1908 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 194 | Win | 145–8–16 (25) | Bob Blackburn | KO | 3 (5) | Jan 3, 1908 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 193 | Win | 144–8–16 (25) | George Memsic | PTS | 20 | Sep 27, 1907 | Naud Junction Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, US | Retained world lightweight title |
| 192 | Win | 143–8–16 (25) | Jimmy Britt | TKO | 6 (20) | Sep 9, 1907 | Recreation Park, San Francisco, California, US | Retained world lightweight title |
| 191 | Win | 142–8–16 (25) | Kid Herman | KO | 8 (?) | Jan 1, 1907 | Casino A.C. Arena, Tonopah, California, US | Retained world lightweight title |
| 190 | Win | 141–8–16 (25) | Battling Nelson | DQ | 42 ($\infty$) | Sep 3, 1906 | Casino Amphitheatre, Goldfield, Nevada, US | Retained world lightweight title; A fight to the finish |
| 189 | Win | 140–8–16 (25) | Dave Holly | PTS | 20 | Jul 23, 1906 | Pleasant Beach, Bainbridge Island, Washington, US | Retained world lightweight title |
| 188 | Win | 139–8–16 (25) | Jack Blackburn | NWS | 6 | Jun 29, 1906 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 187 | Draw | 139–8–16 (24) | Harry Lewis | NWS | 6 | Jun 15, 1906 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 186 | Loss | 139–8–16 (23) | Willie Lewis | NWS | 6 | May 18, 1906 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US | |
| 185 | Win | 139–8–16 (22) | Mike "Twin" Sullivan | TKO | 10 (20) | Mar 17, 1906 | Chutes Park, Los Angeles, California, US | Retained world welterweight title claim at 142 lbs; Police stopped the fight |
| 184 | Win | 138–8–16 (22) | Mike 'Twin' Sullivan | KO | 15 (20), 1:15 | Jan 19, 1906 | Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US | Gans claims world welterweight title at 142lbs |
| 183 | Draw | 137–8–16 (22) | Mike 'Twin' Sullivan | PTS | 15 | Sep 15, 1905 | Lyric Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Retained world lightweight title; Pre-arranged draw if lasting the distance |
| 182 | Win | 137–8–15 (22) | Rufe Turner | NWS | 6 | Mar 27, 1905 | Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 181 | Win | 137–8–15 (21) | Jimmy Britt | DQ | 5 (20), 0:30 | Oct 31, 1904 | Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US | Retained world lightweight title; Britt DQ'd for hitting Gans while he was rising from a knockdown |
| 180 | Draw | 136–8–15 (21) | Barbados Joe Walcott | PTS | 20 | Sep 30, 1904 | Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US | |
| 179 | Draw | 136–8–14 (21) | Dave Holly | NWS | 6 | Jun 27, 1904 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 178 | Win | 136–8–14 (20) | Sammy Smith | TKO | 4 (6) | Jun 13, 1904 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 177 | Win | 135–8–14 (20) | Kid Griffo | TKO | 7 (15) | Jun 3, 1904 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 176 | Win | 134–8–14 (20) | Jewey Cook | RTD | 7 (10) | May 27, 1904 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 175 | Win | 133–8–14 (20) | Sam Bolen | PTS | 15 | Apr 21, 1904 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 174 | Win | 132–8–14 (20) | Gus Gardner | PTS | 10 | Mar 28, 1904 | Arbelten Hall, Saginaw, Michigan, US | |
| 173 | Win | 131–8–14 (20) | Jack Blackburn | PTS | 15 | Mar 25, 1904 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 172 | Win | 130–8–14 (20) | Mike Ward | TKO | 10 (10) | Feb 2, 1904 | Light Guard Armory, Detroit, Michigan, US | |
| 171 | Win | 129–8–14 (20) | Joe Grim | PTS | 10 | Jan 22, 1904 | Shlegel's Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 170 | Win | 128–8–14 (20) | Clarence Connors | TKO | 2 (6) | Jan 19, 1904 | Mount Clemens, Michigan, US | |
| 169 | Win | 127–8–14 (20) | Willie Fitzgerald | PTS | 10 | Jan 12, 1904 | Light Guard Armory, Detroit, Michigan, US | Retained world lightweight title |
| 168 | Loss | 126–8–14 (20) | Sam Langford | PTS | 15 | Dec 8, 1903 | Criterion A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US | |
| 167 | Win | 126–7–14 (20) | Dave Holly | NWS | 6 | Dec 7, 1903 | Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 166 | Loss | 126–7–14 (19) | Jack Blackburn | NWS | 6 | Nov 2, 1903 | Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 165 | Draw | 126–7–14 (18) | Dave Holly | NWS | 6 | Oct 23, 1903 | State A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 164 | Win | 126–7–14 (17) | Eddie Kennedy | NWS | 6 | Oct 20, 1903 | Southern A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 163 | Win | 126–7–14 (16) | Joe Grim | NWS | 6 | Oct 19, 1903 | Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 162 | Win | 126–7–14 (15) | Buddy King | KO | 5 (20) | Jul 4, 1903 | Old Baseball Park, Butte, Montana, US | |
| 161 | Win | 125–7–14 (15) | Willie Fitzgerald | KO | 10 (20) | May 29, 1903 | Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US | |
| 160 | Win | 124–7–14 (15) | Tom Tracey | TKO | 9 (20) | May 13, 1903 | Pastime A.C., Portland, Oregon, US | |
| 159 | Win | 123–7–14 (15) | Jack Bennett | KO | 5 (10) | Mar 23, 1903 | Masonic Hall, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 158 | Win | 122–7–14 (15) | Steve Crosby | TKO | 11 (20) | Mar 11, 1903 | Whittington Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas, US | Retained world lightweight title |
| 157 | Win | 121–7–14 (15) | Gus Gardner | DQ | 11 (20), 1:05 | Jan 1, 1903 | Casino, New Britain, Connecticut, US | Retained world lightweight title |
| 156 | Draw | 120–7–14 (15) | Charley Siegar | PTS | 10 | Dec 31, 1902 | Criterion A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US | Pre-arranged draw if lasting the distance. |
| 155 | Win | 120–7–13 (15) | Howard Wilson | TKO | 3 (20) | Dec 19, 1902 | Scituate Athletic Club, Scituate, Rhode Island, US | |
| 154 | Win | 119–7–13 (15) | Charley Siegar | TKO | 14 (20) | Nov 14, 1902 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Retained world lightweight title |
| 153 | Win | 118–7–13 (15) | Dave Holly | NWS | 10 | Oct 14, 1902 | Maennerchor Hall, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 152 | Win | 118–7–13 (14) | Kid McPartland | KO | 5 (20), 2:25 | Oct 13, 1902 | International A.C., Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada | Retained world lightweight title |
| 151 | Win | 117–7–13 (14) | Jack Bennett | KO | 2 (6) | Sep 22, 1902 | Golden Gate A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 150 | Win | 116–7–13 (14) | Gus Gardner | KO | 5 (20) | Sep 17, 1902 | Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 149 | Win | 115–7–13 (14) | Rufe Turner | KO | 15 (15) | Jul 24, 1902 | Acme A.C., Oakland, California, US | Retained world lightweight title |
| 148 | Win | 114–7–13 (14) | George 'Elbows' McFadden | TKO | 3 (20) | Jun 27, 1902 | Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US | Retained world lightweight title |
| 147 | Win | 113–7–13 (14) | St. Mary's County Bully | DQ | 3 (4) | May 29, 1902 | Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 146 | Win | 112–7–13 (14) | Charles Boyer | TKO | 2 (4) | May 28, 1902 | Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 145 | Win | 111–7–13 (14) | Edward Snowden | KO | 2 (4) | May 28, 1902 | Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 144 | Win | 110–7–13 (14) | Joe Burke | RTD | 2 (4) | May 27, 1902 | Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 143 | Win | 109–7–13 (14) | Frank Erne | KO | 1 (20), 1:40 | May 12, 1902 | International A.C., Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada | Won world lightweight title |
| 142 | Win | 108–7–13 (14) | Jack Bennett | KO | 5 (20) | Mar 27, 1902 | Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 141 | Win | 107–7–13 (14) | Jack Ryan | TKO | 4 (15) | Mar 7, 1902 | Keystone A.C., Allentown, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 140 | Win | 106–7–13 (14) | George 'Elbows' McFadden | NWS | 6 | Feb 17, 1902 | Penn Art Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 139 | Win | 106–7–13 (13) | Eddie Connolly | DQ | 5 (6) | Jan 6, 1902 | Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | Connolly DQ'd for head-butting Gans multiple times under the chin |
| 138 | Win | 105–7–13 (13) | Tom Broderick | KO | 6 (20) | Jan 3, 1902 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 137 | Win | 104–7–13 (13) | Joe Youngs | TKO | 4 (6) | Dec 30, 1901 | Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | Youngs quit in the middle of the round, with both of his eyes almost closed |
| 136 | Win | 103–7–13 (13) | Bobby Dobbs | TKO | 14 (20) | Dec 13, 1901 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 135 | Win | 102–7–13 (13) | Billy Moore | KO | 3 (20) | Nov 22, 1901 | Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 134 | Win | 101–7–13 (13) | Jack Hanlon | KO | 2 (20) | Nov 15, 1901 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 133 | Win | 100–7–13 (13) | Dan McConnell | KO | 3 (8) | Oct 4, 1901 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 132 | Win | 99–7–13 (13) | Joe Handler | TKO | 1 (20) | Sep 30, 1901 | Trenton A.C., Trenton, New Jersey, US | |
| 131 | Win | 98–7–13 (13) | Steve Crosby | TKO | 12 (20) | Sep 20, 1901 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Police stopped the fight |
| 130 | Draw | 97–7–13 (13) | Steve Crosby | PTS | 20 | Aug 23, 1901 | Music Hall, Louisville, Kentucky, US | Retained world colored lightweight title |
| 129 | Win | 97–7–12 (13) | Kid Thomas | NWS | 6 | Jul 15, 1901 | Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Third fight in one day |
| 128 | Win | 97–7–12 (12) | Jack Donahue | TKO | 2 (6) | Jul 15, 1901 | Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Second fight in one day |
| 127 | Win | 96–7–12 (12) | Harry Berger | NWS | 6 | Jul 15, 1901 | Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 126 | Win | 96–7–12 (11) | Bobby Dobbs | KO | 7 (20) | May 31, 1901 | Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 125 | Win | 95–7–12 (11) | Martin Flaherty | TKO | 4 (20) | Apr 1, 1901 | Ford's Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 124 | Win | 94–7–12 (11) | Wilmington Jack Daly | DQ | 5 (20), 2:05 | Feb 13, 1901 | Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 123 | Loss | 93–7–12 (11) | Terry McGovern | KO | 2 (6), 2:05 | Dec 13, 1900 | Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, US | |
| 122 | Win | 93–6–12 (11) | Kid Parker | KO | 4 (10) | Nov 16, 1900 | Colorado A.C., Denver, Colorado, US | |
| 121 | Win | 92–6–12 (11) | Jimmy 'Spider' Kelly | TKO | 8 (10) | Oct 19, 1900 | Colorado A.C., Denver, Colorado, US | |
| 120 | Win | 91–6–12 (11) | Otto Sieloff | KO | 9 (10) | Oct 16, 1900 | Olympic A.C., Denver, Colorado, US | |
| 119 | Win | 90–6–12 (11) | Alec Johnson | KO | 1 (5), 2:23 | Oct 11, 1900 | Leadville Athletic Club, Leadville, Colorado, US | |
| 118 | Win | 89–6–12 (11) | Bird Leg Collins | TKO | 4 (5) | Oct 11, 1900 | Leadville Athletic Club, Leadville, Colorado, US | |
| 117 | Win | 88–6–12 (11) | Joe Youngs | PTS | 10 | Oct 5, 1900 | Colorado A.A., Denver, Colorado, US | |
| 116 | Draw | 87–6–12 (11) | George 'Elbows' McFadden | PTS | 10 | Oct 2, 1900 | Olympic A.C., Denver, Colorado, US | |
| 115 | Win | 87–6–11 (11) | George 'Elbows' McFadden | NWS | 6 | Sep 7, 1900 | Penn Art Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 114 | Win | 87–6–11 (10) | Dal Hawkins | KO | 3 (25) | Aug 31, 1900 | Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US | Time was either 2:21 or 2:57 |
| 113 | Win | 86–6–11 (10) | Whitey Lester | KO | 4 (20) | Jul 12, 1900 | Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 112 | Win | 85–6–11 (10) | Young Griffo | TKO | 8 (25), 1:38 | Jul 10, 1900 | Seaside A.C., Coney Island, New York, US | |
| 111 | Win | 84–6–11 (10) | Barney Furey | KO | 9 (15) | Jun 26, 1900 | People's Theater, Cincinnati, Ohio, US | |
| 110 | Win | 83–6–11 (10) | Dal Hawkins | KO | 2 (25), 1:15 | May 25, 1900 | Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 109 | Win | 82–6–11 (10) | Chicago Jack Daly | TKO | 5 (6) | Apr 1, 1900 | Penn Art Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 108 | Loss | 81–6–11 (10) | Frank Erne | TKO | 12 (25) | Mar 23, 1900 | Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US | For world lightweight title; Gans asked to have the bout stopped after being cut by an accidental head-butt. |
| 107 | Win | 81–5–11 (10) | Spike Sullivan | TKO | 14 (25), 2:17 | Feb 9, 1900 | Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 106 | Draw | 80–5–11 (10) | Kid McPartland | PTS | 6 | Dec 22, 1899 | Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, US | |
| 105 | Win | 80–5–10 (10) | Kid Ash | PTS | 15 | Dec 11, 1899 | Robinson Opera House, Cincinnati, Ohio, US | |
| 104 | Win | 79–5–10 (10) | Steve Crosby | PTS | 6 | Nov 24, 1899 | Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, US | |
| 103 | Win | 78–5–10 (10) | George 'Elbows' McFadden | PTS | 25 | Oct 31, 1899 | Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 102 | Win | 77–5–10 (10) | Martin Judge | PTS | 20 | Oct 11, 1899 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 101 | Draw | 76–5–10 (10) | Wilmington Jack Daly | NWS | 6 | Oct 7, 1899 | Nonpareil A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 100 | Win | 76–5–10 (9) | Jimmy 'Spider' Kelly | PTS | 25 | Oct 3, 1899 | Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 99 | Win | 75–5–10 (9) | Martin Judge | PTS | 12 (20) | Sep 15, 1899 | Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Police stopped the fight at the end of the 12th round on account of foul work in the clinches. |
| 98 | Win | 74–5–10 (9) | Eugene Bezenah | KO | 10 (25), 2:23 | Sep 1, 1899 | Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 97 | Draw | 73–5–10 (9) | George 'Elbows' McFadden | PTS | 25 | Jul 28, 1899 | Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 96 | Win | 73–5–9 (9) | Jack Dobbs | TKO | 4 (25) | Jul 24, 1899 | Seabright Casino, Ocean City, Maryland, US | |
| 95 | Loss | 72–5–9 (9) | George 'Elbows' McFadden | KO | 23 (25) | Apr 14, 1899 | Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, US | |
| 94 | Win | 72–4–9 (9) | Billy Ernst | DQ | 10 (20) | Feb 6, 1899 | Olympic A.C., Buffalo, New York, US | Ernst DQ'd for headbutting Gans |
| 93 | Win | 71–4–9 (9) | Martin Judge | PTS | 20 | Jan 28, 1899 | Crescent A.C., Toronto, Ontario, Canada | |
| 92 | Win | 70–4–9 (9) | Young Smyrna | KO | 2 (25), 2:50 | Jan 13, 1899 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 91 | Win | 69–4–9 (9) | Wilmington Jack Daly | PTS | 25 | Dec 27, 1898 | Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 90 | Win | 68–4–9 (9) | Kid McPartland | PTS | 25 | Nov 4, 1898 | Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 89 | Win | 67–4–9 (9) | William Duke | PTS | 4 | Sep 30, 1898 | Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 88 | Win | 66–4–9 (9) | Fred Sweigert | PTS | 4 | Sep 29, 1898 | Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 87 | Win | 65–4–9 (9) | James Martin | TKO | 4 (4) | Sep 28, 1898 | Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 86 | Win | 64–4–9 (9) | Joseph Smith | TKO | 1 (4) | Sep 27, 1898 | Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Third fight in one day |
| 85 | Win | 63–4–9 (9) | William Hinton | TKO | 1 (4) | Sep 27, 1898 | Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Second fight in one day |
| 84 | Win | 62–4–9 (9) | Buck Baynor | TKO | 3 (4) | Sep 27, 1898 | Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 83 | Win | 61–4–9 (9) | Herman Miller | PTS | 4 | Sep 26, 1898 | Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 82 | Win | 60–4–9 (9) | Thomas Jackson | KO | 3 (25), 1:32 | Sep 1, 1898 | Talbot county fair, Easton, Maryland, US | |
| 81 | Win | 59–4–9 (9) | Young Smyrna | TKO | 15 (25), 2:23 | Aug 26, 1898 | Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 80 | Win | 58–4–9 (9) | Billy Ernst | KO | 11 (25) | Aug 8, 1898 | Greater New York A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 79 | Win | 57–4–9 (9) | George Brown | TKO | 6 (10) | Jul 1, 1898 | Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 78 | Win | 56–4–9 (9) | Joe Kid Robinson | PTS | 6 | Jun 3, 1898 | Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, US | |
| 77 | NC | 55–4–9 (9) | Joe Kid Robinson | NC | 3 (6) | Jun 2, 1898 | Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, US | The lights went out in the building, and the show had to be called off until next day. |
| 76 | Win | 55–4–9 (8) | Steve Crosby | RTD | 6 (20) | May 11, 1898 | Music Hall, Louisville, Kentucky, US | |
| 75 | Win | 54–4–9 (8) | Young Starlight | TKO | 3 (3) | Apr 11, 1898 | Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Second fight in a day |
| 74 | Win | 53–4–9 (8) | Young Smyrna | TKO | 3 (3) | Apr 11, 1898 | Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Police stopped the fight. |
| 73 | Win | 52–4–9 (8) | Tommy Shortell | TKO | 6 (8) | Mar 11, 1898 | Academy Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 72 | Win | 51–4–9 (8) | Frank Garrard | TKO | 15 (20) | Jan 17, 1898 | Central Armory, Cleveland, Ohio, US | |
| 71 | Win | 50–4–9 (9) | Billy Young | TKO | 2 (8) | Jan 3, 1898 | Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 70 | Win | 49–4–9 (8) | Stanton Abbott | TKO | 5 (8), 2:15 | Nov 29, 1897 | Academy of Music, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 69 | Draw | 48–4–9 (8) | Wilmington Jack Daly | NWS | 6 | Nov 6, 1897 | Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 68 | Loss | 48–4–9 (7) | Bobby Dobbs | PTS | 20 | Sep 27, 1897 | Greenpoint S.C., New York City, New York, US | For world colored lightweight title |
| 67 | Draw | 48–3–9 (7) | Young Griffo | PTS | 15 | Sep 21, 1897 | Olympic A.C., Athens, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 66 | Win | 48–3–8 (7) | Izzy Strauss | KO | 5 (15) | Aug 30, 1897 | Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 65 | Win | 47–3–8 (7) | Jack McCue | TKO | 6 (?) | Aug 24, 1897 | Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Fifth fight in a day |
| 64 | Win | 46–3–8 (7) | John Coates | TKO | 5 (?) | Aug 24, 1897 | Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Fourth fight in a day |
| 63 | Win | 45–3–8 (7) | Jerry Marshall | TKO | 8 (?) | Aug 24, 1897 | Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Third fight in a day |
| 62 | Win | 44–3–8 (7) | George Thomas | TKO | 3 (?) | Aug 24, 1897 | Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Second fight in a day |
| 61 | Win | 43–3–8 (7) | August Stenzie | TKO | 3 (?) | Aug 24, 1897 | Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 60 | Win | 42–3–8 (7) | Mike Leonard | PTS | 20 | May 18, 1897 | Olympic A.C., San Francisco, California, US | |
| 59 | Win | 41–3–8 (7) | Howard Wilson | KO | 9 (20) | Apr 3, 1897 | Polo A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 58 | Win | 40–3–8 (7) | Charles Rochette | RTD | 4 (10) | Dec 14, 1896 | Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US | |
| 57 | Win | 39–3–8 (7) | Jerry Marshall | PTS | 20 | Nov 12, 1896 | Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 56 | Win | 38–3–8 (7) | Jack Williams | TKO | 3 (8) | Oct 19, 1896 | Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Police stopped the fight. |
| 55 | Loss | 37–3–8 (7) | Dal Hawkins | PTS | 15 | Oct 6, 1896 | Bohemian Sporting Club, New York City, New York, US | |
| 54 | Win | 37–2–8 (7) | John Ball | PTS | 4 | Sep 28, 1896 | East Side A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 53 | Draw | 36–2–8 (7) | Danny McBride | PTS | 20 | Aug 31, 1896 | Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 52 | Win | 36–2–7 (7) | Jack Williams | TKO | 2 (?) | Aug 20, 1896 | Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 51 | Win | 35–2–7 (7) | Tommy Butler | PTS | 12 | Jun 29, 1896 | South Brooklyn A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 50 | Win | 34–2–7 (7) | Jimmy Watson | PTS | 10 | Jun 8, 1896 | Bijou Theater, Paterson, New Jersey, US | |
| 49 | Win | 33–2–7 (7) | Jimmy Kennard | TKO | 6 (12) | Feb 22, 1896 | West Newton Street Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, US | |
| 48 | Win | 32–2–7 (7) | Joe Elliott | KO | 7 (8) | Jan 17, 1896 | Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 47 | Win | 31–2–7 (7) | Benny Peterson | PTS | 4 | Jan 11, 1896 | Ariel A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 46 | Win | 30–2–7 (7) | George Siddons | KO | 7 (25), 2:50 | Nov 28, 1895 | Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 45 | Draw | 29–2–7 (7) | Young Griffo | PTS | 10 | Nov 18, 1895 | Front Street Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Pre-arranged draw if lasting full distance. |
| 44 | Win | 29–2–6 (7) | Joe Elliott | KO | 9 (25) | Oct 21, 1895 | Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 43 | Draw | 28–2–6 (7) | George Siddons | PTS | 20 | Jul 15, 1895 | Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 42 | Win | 28–2–5 (7) | Howard Wilson | PTS | 10 | May 28, 1895 | Kernan's Theatre, Washington, D.C., US | |
| 41 | Win | 27–2–5 (7) | Benny Peterson | KO | 17 (20) | May 20, 1895 | Riverside Athletic Club, New York City, New York, US | |
| 40 | Win | 26–2–5 (7) | George Willis | KO | 4 (10) | May 14, 1895 | Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 39 | Draw | 25–2–5 (7) | Howard Wilson | PTS | 6 | May 9, 1895 | Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 38 | Win | 25–2–4 (7) | Frank Peabody | TKO | 3 (8) | May 4, 1895 | Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 37 | Win | 24–2–4 (7) | Kentucky Rosebud | TKO | 8 (8) | Apr 25, 1895 | Front Street Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 36 | Win | 23–2–4 (7) | David Armstrong | TKO | 3 (6) | Apr 18, 1895 | Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 35 | Loss | 22–2–4 (7) | Johnny Van Heest | PTS | 9 (8) | Apr 13, 1895 | Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Gans had Van Heese whipped to a standstill in the eighth round, but Mr. Daniel Carr, the referee, ordered an extra round. Though Van Heest had none the best of the last round, he was given the decision. |
| 34 | Win | 22–1–4 (7) | Kentucky Rosebud | NWS | 6 | Apr 1, 1895 | Monumental Amphitheater, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 33 | Win | 22–1–4 (6) | Paul Johnson | PTS | 6 | Mar 22, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 32 | Win | 21–1–4 (6) | Harry Hunt | TKO | 4 (?) | Mar 20, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 31 | Draw | 20–1–4 (6) | Howard Wilson | PTS | 10 | Mar 18, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 30 | Draw | 20–1–3 (6) | Fred Sweigert | PTS | 10 | Mar 7, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 29 | Win | 20–1–2 (6) | Solomon English | TKO | 10 (10) | Mar 6, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Police interfered. |
| 28 | Win | 19–1–2 (6) | Max Wirsing | TKO | 3 (?) | Mar 4, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 27 | Draw | 18–1–2 (6) | James Daly | PTS | 11 (10) | Feb 16, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | An extra-round was fought. |
| 26 | Win | 18–1–1 (6) | James Davis | KO | 3 (10) | Feb 12, 1895 | Kernan's Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Second fight in one day |
| 25 | Win | 17–1–1 (6) | John Ball | PTS | 6 | Feb 12, 1895 | Kernan's Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 24 | Win | 16–1–1 (6) | John Coates | PTS | 11 (10) | Feb 11, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | An additional round was fought to decide the winner. |
| 23 | Win | 15–1–1 (6) | Samuel Young | KO | 3 (?) | Feb 7, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 22 | Win | 14–1–1 (6) | Fred Sweigert | PTS | 10 | Feb 6, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 21 | Draw | 13–1–1 (6) | Dave Horn | PTS | 10 | Jan 23, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 20 | Win | 13–1 (6) | George Brummell | TKO | 5 (?) | Jan 19, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 19 | Win | 12–1 (6) | Paul Johnson | PTS | 10 | Jan 11, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 18 | Win | 11–1 (6) | Bud Brown | PTS | 10 | Jan 7, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Second fight in one day after Allen's corner man offered to fight Gans |
| 17 | Win | 10–1 (6) | Samuel Allen | KO | 3 (?) | Jan 7, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 16 | Win | 9–1 (6) | Fred Sweigert | PTS | ? | Jan 1, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 15 | Win | 8–1 (6) | Jack McDonald | TKO | 8 (?) | Dec 28, 1894 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 14 | Win | 7–1 (6) | John Coates | PTS | 10 | Dec 27, 1894 | Monumental A.C., Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 13 | Win | 6–1 (6) | Fred Sweigert | NWS | 10 | Dec 21, 1894 | Monumental A.C., Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 12 | Win | 6–1 (5) | Travis Brown | PTS | 6 | Dec 17, 1894 | Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 11 | ND | 5–1 (5) | Bud Young | ND | 4 | Nov 27, 1894 | Canton Academy, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 10 | ND | 5–1 (4) | Paul Johnson | ND | 3 (?) | Nov 12, 1894 | Grand Army Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Gans was fouled and could not continue. Ruled a no decision |
| 9 | Win | 5–1 (3) | Jackson | TKO | 3 (4) | Jul 10, 1894 | Kernan's Theatre, Washington, D.C., US | |
| 8 | Loss | 4–1 (3) | Paul Johnson | PTS | 5 | Jun 27, 1894 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | For vacant Maryland colored lightweight title |
| 7 | Win | 4–0 (3) | Gustav Wilkie | PTS | 4 | Jun 26, 1894 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 6 | ND | 3–0 (3) | Robert Cook | ND | ? | May 21, 1894 | M F Conklin's Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 5 | Win | 3–0 (2) | Harry Brian | PTS | ? | Apr 25, 1894 | Allerino Gannic Casino, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 4 | ND | 2–0 (2) | Dave Horn | ND | 3 (?) | Apr 19, 1894 | Beach's Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 3 | Win | 2–0 (1) | William Jones | KO | 4 (?) | Feb 12, 1894 | Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 2 | Win | 1–0 (1) | William Jones | RTD | 6 (?) | Nov 27, 1893 | Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 1 | ND | 0–0 (1) | Buck Myers | ND | ? | Oct 23, 1893 | Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |

### Unofficial record

| 199 fights | 160 wins | 12 losses |
| By knockout | 101 | 5 |
| By decision | 52 | 7 |
| By disqualification | 7 | 0 |
| Draws | 21 | 21 |
| No contests | 6 | 6 |
Record with the inclusion of newspaper decisions in the win/loss/draw column.
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
| 199 | Win | 160–12–21 (6) | Jabez White | NWS | 10 | Mar 12, 1909 | National S.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 198 | Loss | 159–12–21 (6) | Battling Nelson | KO | 21 (45) | Sep 9, 1908 | Mission Street Arena, Colma, California, US | For world lightweight title |
| 197 | Loss | 159–11–21 (6) | Battling Nelson | KO | 17 (45) | Jul 4, 1908 | Mission Street Arena, Colma, California, US | Lost world lightweight title |
| 196 | Win | 159–10–21 (6) | Rudy Unholz | TKO | 11 (20) | May 14, 1908 | Coliseum, San Francisco, California, US | Retained world lightweight title |
| 195 | Win | 158–10–21 (6) | Frank 'Spike' Robson | TKO | 3 (6), 2:25 | Apr 1, 1908 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 194 | Win | 157–10–21 (6) | Bob Blackburn | KO | 3 (5) | Jan 3, 1908 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 193 | Win | 156–10–21 (6) | George Memsic | PTS | 20 | Sep 27, 1907 | Naud Junction Pavilion, Los Angeles, California, US | Retained world lightweight title |
| 192 | Win | 155–10–21 (6) | Jimmy Britt | TKO | 6 (20) | Sep 9, 1907 | Recreation Park, San Francisco, California, US | Retained world lightweight title |
| 191 | Win | 154–10–21 (6) | Kid Herman | KO | 8 (?) | Jan 1, 1907 | Casino A.C. Arena, Tonopah, California, US | Retained world lightweight title |
| 190 | Win | 153–10–21 (6) | Battling Nelson | DQ | 42 ($\infty$) | Sep 3, 1906 | Casino Amphitheatre, Goldfield, Nevada, US | Retained world lightweight title; A fight to the finish |
| 189 | Win | 152–10–21 (6) | Dave Holly | PTS | 20 | Jul 23, 1906 | Pleasant Beach, Bainbridge Island, Washington, US | Retained world lightweight title |
| 188 | Win | 151–10–21 (6) | Jack Blackburn | NWS | 6 | Jun 29, 1906 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 187 | Draw | 150–10–21 (6) | Harry Lewis | NWS | 6 | Jun 15, 1906 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 186 | Loss | 150–10–20 (6) | Willie Lewis | NWS | 6 | May 18, 1906 | Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US | |
| 185 | Win | 150–9–20 (6) | Mike "Twin" Sullivan | TKO | 10 (20) | Mar 17, 1906 | Chutes Park, Los Angeles, California, US | Retained world welterweight title claim at 142 lbs; Police stopped the fight |
| 184 | Win | 149–9–20 (6) | Mike 'Twin' Sullivan | KO | 15 (20), 1:15 | Jan 19, 1906 | Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US | Gans claims world welterweight title at 142lbs |
| 183 | Draw | 148–9–20 (6) | Mike 'Twin' Sullivan | PTS | 15 | Sep 15, 1905 | Lyric Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Retained world lightweight title; Pre-arranged draw if lasting the distance |
| 182 | Win | 148–9–19 (6) | Rufe Turner | NWS | 6 | Mar 27, 1905 | Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 181 | Win | 147–9–19 (6) | Jimmy Britt | DQ | 5 (20), 0:30 | Oct 31, 1904 | Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US | Retained world lightweight title; Britt DQ'd for hitting Gans while he was rising from a knockdown |
| 180 | Draw | 146–9–19 (6) | Barbados Joe Walcott | PTS | 20 | Sep 30, 1904 | Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US | |
| 179 | Draw | 146–9–18 (6) | Dave Holly | NWS | 6 | Jun 27, 1904 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 178 | Win | 146–9–17 (6) | Sammy Smith | TKO | 4 (6) | Jun 13, 1904 | National A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 177 | Win | 145–9–17 (6) | Kid Griffo | TKO | 7 (15) | Jun 3, 1904 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 176 | Win | 144–9–17 (6) | Jewey Cook | RTD | 7 (10) | May 27, 1904 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 175 | Win | 143–9–17 (6) | Sam Bolen | PTS | 15 | Apr 21, 1904 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 174 | Win | 142–9–17 (6) | Gus Gardner | PTS | 10 | Mar 28, 1904 | Arbelten Hall, Saginaw, Michigan, US | |
| 173 | Win | 141–9–17 (6) | Jack Blackburn | PTS | 15 | Mar 25, 1904 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 172 | Win | 140–9–17 (6) | Mike Ward | TKO | 10 (10) | Feb 2, 1904 | Light Guard Armory, Detroit, Michigan, US | |
| 171 | Win | 139–9–17 (6) | Joe Grim | PTS | 10 | Jan 22, 1904 | Shlegel's Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 170 | Win | 138–9–17 (6) | Clarence Connors | TKO | 2 (6) | Jan 19, 1904 | Mount Clemens, Michigan, US | |
| 169 | Win | 137–9–17 (6) | Willie Fitzgerald | PTS | 10 | Jan 12, 1904 | Light Guard Armory, Detroit, Michigan, US | Retained world lightweight title |
| 168 | Loss | 136–9–17 (6) | Sam Langford | PTS | 15 | Dec 8, 1903 | Criterion A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US | |
| 167 | Win | 136–8–17 (6) | Dave Holly | NWS | 6 | Dec 7, 1903 | Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 166 | Loss | 135–8–17 (6) | Jack Blackburn | NWS | 6 | Nov 2, 1903 | Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 165 | Draw | 135–7–17 (6) | Dave Holly | NWS | 6 | Oct 23, 1903 | State A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 164 | Win | 135–7–16 (6) | Eddie Kennedy | NWS | 6 | Oct 20, 1903 | Southern A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 163 | Win | 134–7–16 (6) | Joe Grim | NWS | 6 | Oct 19, 1903 | Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 162 | Win | 133–7–16 (6) | Buddy King | KO | 5 (20) | Jul 4, 1903 | Old Baseball Park, Butte, Montana, US | |
| 161 | Win | 132–7–16 (6) | Willie Fitzgerald | KO | 10 (20) | May 29, 1903 | Mechanic's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US | |
| 160 | Win | 131–7–16 (6) | Tom Tracey | TKO | 9 (20) | May 13, 1903 | Pastime A.C., Portland, Oregon, US | |
| 159 | Win | 130–7–16 (6) | Jack Bennett | KO | 5 (10) | Mar 23, 1903 | Masonic Hall, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 158 | Win | 129–7–16 (6) | Steve Crosby | TKO | 11 (20) | Mar 11, 1903 | Whittington Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas, US | Retained world lightweight title |
| 157 | Win | 128–7–16 (6) | Gus Gardner | DQ | 11 (20), 1:05 | Jan 1, 1903 | Casino, New Britain, Connecticut, US | Retained world lightweight title |
| 156 | Draw | 127–7–16 (6) | Charley Siegar | PTS | 10 | Dec 31, 1902 | Criterion A.C., Boston, Massachusetts, US | Pre-arranged draw if lasting the distance. |
| 155 | Win | 127–7–15 (6) | Howard Wilson | TKO | 3 (20) | Dec 19, 1902 | Scituate Athletic Club, Scituate, Rhode Island, US | |
| 154 | Win | 126–7–15 (6) | Charley Siegar | TKO | 14 (20) | Nov 14, 1902 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Retained world lightweight title |
| 153 | Win | 125–7–15 (6) | Dave Holly | NWS | 10 | Oct 14, 1902 | Maennerchor Hall, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 152 | Win | 124–7–15 (6) | Kid McPartland | KO | 5 (20), 2:25 | Oct 13, 1902 | International A.C., Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada | Retained world lightweight title |
| 151 | Win | 123–7–15 (6) | Jack Bennett | KO | 2 (6) | Sep 22, 1902 | Golden Gate A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 150 | Win | 122–7–15 (6) | Gus Gardner | KO | 5 (20) | Sep 17, 1902 | Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 149 | Win | 121–7–15 (6) | Rufe Turner | KO | 15 (15) | Jul 24, 1902 | Acme A.C., Oakland, California, US | Retained world lightweight title |
| 148 | Win | 120–7–15 (6) | George 'Elbows' McFadden | TKO | 3 (20) | Jun 27, 1902 | Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US | Retained world lightweight title |
| 147 | Win | 119–7–15 (6) | St. Mary's County Bully | DQ | 3 (4) | May 29, 1902 | Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 146 | Win | 118–7–15 (6) | Charles Boyer | TKO | 2 (4) | May 28, 1902 | Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 145 | Win | 117–7–15 (6) | Edward Snowden | KO | 2 (4) | May 28, 1902 | Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 144 | Win | 116–7–15 (6) | Joe Burke | RTD | 2 (4) | May 27, 1902 | Monumental Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 143 | Win | 115–7–15 (6) | Frank Erne | KO | 1 (20), 1:40 | May 12, 1902 | International A.C., Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada | Won world lightweight title |
| 142 | Win | 114–7–15 (6) | Jack Bennett | KO | 5 (20) | Mar 27, 1902 | Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 141 | Win | 113–7–15 (6) | Jack Ryan | TKO | 4 (15) | Mar 7, 1902 | Keystone A.C., Allentown, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 140 | Win | 112–7–15 (6) | George 'Elbows' McFadden | NWS | 6 | Feb 17, 1902 | Penn Art Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 139 | Win | 111–7–15 (6) | Eddie Connolly | DQ | 5 (6) | Jan 6, 1902 | Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | Connolly DQ'd for head-butting Gans multiple times under the chin |
| 138 | Win | 110–7–15 (6) | Tom Broderick | KO | 6 (20) | Jan 3, 1902 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 137 | Win | 109–7–15 (6) | Joe Youngs | TKO | 4 (6) | Dec 30, 1901 | Washington S.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | Youngs quit in the middle of the round, with both of his eyes almost closed |
| 136 | Win | 108–7–15 (6) | Bobby Dobbs | TKO | 14 (20) | Dec 13, 1901 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 135 | Win | 107–7–15 (6) | Billy Moore | KO | 3 (20) | Nov 22, 1901 | Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 134 | Win | 106–7–15 (6) | Jack Hanlon | KO | 2 (20) | Nov 15, 1901 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 133 | Win | 105–7–15 (6) | Dan McConnell | KO | 3 (8) | Oct 4, 1901 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 132 | Win | 104–7–15 (6) | Joe Handler | TKO | 1 (20) | Sep 30, 1901 | Trenton A.C., Trenton, New Jersey, US | |
| 131 | Win | 103–7–15 (6) | Steve Crosby | TKO | 12 (20) | Sep 20, 1901 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Police stopped the fight |
| 130 | Draw | 102–7–15 (6) | Steve Crosby | PTS | 20 | Aug 23, 1901 | Music Hall, Louisville, Kentucky, US | Retained world colored lightweight title |
| 129 | Win | 102–7–14 (6) | Kid Thomas | NWS | 6 | Jul 15, 1901 | Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Third fight in one day |
| 128 | Win | 101–7–14 (6) | Jack Donahue | TKO | 2 (6) | Jul 15, 1901 | Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Second fight in one day |
| 127 | Win | 100–7–14 (6) | Harry Berger | NWS | 6 | Jul 15, 1901 | Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 126 | Win | 99–7–14 (6) | Bobby Dobbs | KO | 7 (20) | May 31, 1901 | Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 125 | Win | 98–7–14 (6) | Martin Flaherty | TKO | 4 (20) | Apr 1, 1901 | Ford's Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 124 | Win | 97–7–14 (6) | Wilmington Jack Daly | DQ | 5 (20), 2:05 | Feb 13, 1901 | Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 123 | Loss | 96–7–14 (6) | Terry McGovern | KO | 2 (6), 2:05 | Dec 13, 1900 | Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, US | |
| 122 | Win | 96–6–14 (6) | Kid Parker | KO | 4 (10) | Nov 16, 1900 | Colorado A.C., Denver, Colorado, US | |
| 121 | Win | 95–6–14 (6) | Jimmy 'Spider' Kelly | TKO | 8 (10) | Oct 19, 1900 | Colorado A.C., Denver, Colorado, US | |
| 120 | Win | 94–6–14 (6) | Otto Sieloff | KO | 9 (10) | Oct 16, 1900 | Olympic A.C., Denver, Colorado, US | |
| 119 | Win | 93–6–14 (6) | Alec Johnson | KO | 1 (5), 2:23 | Oct 11, 1900 | Leadville Athletic Club, Leadville, Colorado, US | |
| 118 | Win | 92–6–14 (6) | Bird Leg Collins | TKO | 4 (5) | Oct 11, 1900 | Leadville Athletic Club, Leadville, Colorado, US | |
| 117 | Win | 91–6–14 (6) | Joe Youngs | PTS | 10 | Oct 5, 1900 | Colorado A.A., Denver, Colorado, US | |
| 116 | Draw | 90–6–14 (6) | George 'Elbows' McFadden | PTS | 10 | Oct 2, 1900 | Olympic A.C., Denver, Colorado, US | |
| 115 | Win | 90–6–13 (6) | George 'Elbows' McFadden | NWS | 6 | Sep 7, 1900 | Penn Art Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 114 | Win | 89–6–13 (6) | Dal Hawkins | KO | 3 (25) | Aug 31, 1900 | Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US | Time was either 2:21 or 2:57 |
| 113 | Win | 88–6–13 (6) | Whitey Lester | KO | 4 (20) | Jul 12, 1900 | Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 112 | Win | 87–6–13 (6) | Young Griffo | TKO | 8 (25), 1:38 | Jul 10, 1900 | Seaside A.C., Coney Island, New York, US | |
| 111 | Win | 86–6–13 (6) | Barney Furey | KO | 9 (15) | Jun 26, 1900 | People's Theater, Cincinnati, Ohio, US | |
| 110 | Win | 85–6–13 (6) | Dal Hawkins | KO | 2 (25), 1:15 | May 25, 1900 | Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 109 | Win | 84–6–13 (6) | Chicago Jack Daly | TKO | 5 (6) | Apr 1, 1900 | Penn Art Club, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 108 | Loss | 83–6–13 (6) | Frank Erne | TKO | 12 (25) | Mar 23, 1900 | Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US | For world lightweight title; Gans asked to have the bout stopped after being cut by an accidental head-butt. |
| 107 | Win | 83–5–13 (6) | Spike Sullivan | TKO | 14 (25), 2:17 | Feb 9, 1900 | Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 106 | Draw | 82–5–13 (6) | Kid McPartland | PTS | 6 | Dec 22, 1899 | Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, US | |
| 105 | Win | 82–5–12 (6) | Kid Ash | PTS | 15 | Dec 11, 1899 | Robinson Opera House, Cincinnati, Ohio, US | |
| 104 | Win | 81–5–12 (6) | Steve Crosby | PTS | 6 | Nov 24, 1899 | Star Theatre, Chicago, Illinois, US | |
| 103 | Win | 80–5–12 (6) | George 'Elbows' McFadden | PTS | 25 | Oct 31, 1899 | Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 102 | Win | 79–5–12 (6) | Martin Judge | PTS | 20 | Oct 11, 1899 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 101 | Draw | 78–5–12 (6) | Wilmington Jack Daly | NWS | 6 | Oct 7, 1899 | Nonpareil A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 100 | Win | 78–5–11 (6) | Jimmy 'Spider' Kelly | PTS | 25 | Oct 3, 1899 | Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 99 | Win | 77–5–11 (6) | Martin Judge | PTS | 12 (20) | Sep 15, 1899 | Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Police stopped the fight at the end of the 12th round on account of foul work in the clinches. |
| 98 | Win | 76–5–11 (6) | Eugene Bezenah | KO | 10 (25), 2:23 | Sep 1, 1899 | Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 97 | Draw | 75–5–11 (6) | George 'Elbows' McFadden | PTS | 25 | Jul 28, 1899 | Broadway A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 96 | Win | 75–5–10 (6) | Jack Dobbs | TKO | 4 (25) | Jul 24, 1899 | Seabright Casino, Ocean City, Maryland, US | |
| 95 | Loss | 74–5–10 (6) | George 'Elbows' McFadden | KO | 23 (25) | Apr 14, 1899 | Broadway A.C., Brooklyn, New York City, New York, US | |
| 94 | Win | 74–4–10 (6) | Billy Ernst | DQ | 10 (20) | Feb 6, 1899 | Olympic A.C., Buffalo, New York, US | Ernst DQ'd for headbutting Gans |
| 93 | Win | 73–4–10 (6) | Martin Judge | PTS | 20 | Jan 28, 1899 | Crescent A.C., Toronto, Ontario, Canada | |
| 92 | Win | 72–4–10 (6) | Young Smyrna | KO | 2 (25), 2:50 | Jan 13, 1899 | Germania Maennerchor Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 91 | Win | 71–4–10 (6) | Wilmington Jack Daly | PTS | 25 | Dec 27, 1898 | Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 90 | Win | 70–4–10 (6) | Kid McPartland | PTS | 25 | Nov 4, 1898 | Lenox A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 89 | Win | 69–4–10 (6) | William Duke | PTS | 4 | Sep 30, 1898 | Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 88 | Win | 68–4–10 (6) | Fred Sweigert | PTS | 4 | Sep 29, 1898 | Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 87 | Win | 67–4–10 (6) | James Martin | TKO | 4 (4) | Sep 28, 1898 | Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 86 | Win | 66–4–10 (6) | Joseph Smith | TKO | 1 (4) | Sep 27, 1898 | Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Third fight in one day |
| 85 | Win | 65–4–10 (6) | William Hinton | TKO | 1 (4) | Sep 27, 1898 | Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Second fight in one day |
| 84 | Win | 64–4–10 (6) | Buck Baynor | TKO | 3 (4) | Sep 27, 1898 | Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 83 | Win | 63–4–10 (6) | Herman Miller | PTS | 4 | Sep 26, 1898 | Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 82 | Win | 62–4–10 (6) | Thomas Jackson | KO | 3 (25), 1:32 | Sep 1, 1898 | Talbot county fair, Easton, Maryland, US | |
| 81 | Win | 61–4–10 (6) | Young Smyrna | TKO | 15 (25), 2:23 | Aug 26, 1898 | Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 80 | Win | 60–4–10 (6) | Billy Ernst | KO | 11 (25) | Aug 8, 1898 | Greater New York A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 79 | Win | 59–4–10 (6) | George Brown | TKO | 6 (10) | Jul 1, 1898 | Ford Opera House, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 78 | Win | 58–4–10 (6) | Joe Kid Robinson | PTS | 6 | Jun 3, 1898 | Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, US | |
| 77 | NC | 57–4–10 (6) | Joe Kid Robinson | NC | 3 (6) | Jun 2, 1898 | Tattersall's, Chicago, Illinois, US | The lights went out in the building, and the show had to be called off until next day. |
| 76 | Win | 57–4–10 (5) | Steve Crosby | RTD | 6 (20) | May 11, 1898 | Music Hall, Louisville, Kentucky, US | |
| 75 | Win | 56–4–10 (5) | Young Starlight | TKO | 3 (3) | Apr 11, 1898 | Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Second fight in a day |
| 74 | Win | 55–4–10 (5) | Young Smyrna | TKO | 3 (3) | Apr 11, 1898 | Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Police stopped the fight. |
| 73 | Win | 54–4–10 (5) | Tommy Shortell | TKO | 6 (8) | Mar 11, 1898 | Academy Music Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 72 | Win | 53–4–10 (5) | Frank Garrard | TKO | 15 (20) | Jan 17, 1898 | Central Armory, Cleveland, Ohio, US | |
| 71 | Win | 52–4–10 (5) | Billy Young | TKO | 2 (8) | Jan 3, 1898 | Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 70 | Win | 51–4–10 (5) | Stanton Abbott | TKO | 5 (8), 2:15 | Nov 29, 1897 | Academy of Music, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 69 | Draw | 50–4–10 (5) | Wilmington Jack Daly | NWS | 6 | Nov 6, 1897 | Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 68 | Loss | 50–4–9 (5) | Bobby Dobbs | PTS | 20 | Sep 27, 1897 | Greenpoint S.C., New York City, New York, US | For world colored lightweight title |
| 67 | Draw | 50–3–9 (5) | Young Griffo | PTS | 15 | Sep 21, 1897 | Olympic A.C., Athens, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 66 | Win | 50–3–8 (5) | Izzy Strauss | KO | 5 (15) | Aug 30, 1897 | Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 65 | Win | 49–3–8 (5) | Jack McCue | TKO | 6 (?) | Aug 24, 1897 | Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Fifth fight in a day |
| 64 | Win | 48–3–8 (5) | John Coates | TKO | 5 (?) | Aug 24, 1897 | Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Fourth fight in a day |
| 63 | Win | 47–3–8 (5) | Jerry Marshall | TKO | 8 (?) | Aug 24, 1897 | Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Third fight in a day |
| 62 | Win | 46–3–8 (5) | George Thomas | TKO | 3 (?) | Aug 24, 1897 | Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Second fight in a day |
| 61 | Win | 45–3–8 (5) | August Stenzie | TKO | 3 (?) | Aug 24, 1897 | Shell road, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 60 | Win | 44–3–8 (5) | Mike Leonard | PTS | 20 | May 18, 1897 | Olympic A.C., San Francisco, California, US | |
| 59 | Win | 43–3–8 (5) | Howard Wilson | KO | 9 (20) | Apr 3, 1897 | Polo A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 58 | Win | 42–3–8 (5) | Charles Rochette | RTD | 4 (10) | Dec 14, 1896 | Woodward's Pavilion, San Francisco, California, US | |
| 57 | Win | 41–3–8 (5) | Jerry Marshall | PTS | 20 | Nov 12, 1896 | Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 56 | Win | 40–3–8 (5) | Jack Williams | TKO | 3 (8) | Oct 19, 1896 | Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Police stopped the fight. |
| 55 | Loss | 39–3–8 (5) | Dal Hawkins | PTS | 15 | Oct 6, 1896 | Bohemian Sporting Club, New York City, New York, US | |
| 54 | Win | 39–2–8 (5) | John Ball | PTS | 4 | Sep 28, 1896 | East Side A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 53 | Draw | 38–2–8 (5) | Danny McBride | PTS | 20 | Aug 31, 1896 | Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 52 | Win | 38–2–7 (5) | Jack Williams | TKO | 2 (?) | Aug 20, 1896 | Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 51 | Win | 37–2–7 (5) | Tommy Butler | PTS | 12 | Jun 29, 1896 | South Brooklyn A.C., New York City, New York, US | |
| 50 | Win | 36–2–7 (5) | Jimmy Watson | PTS | 10 | Jun 8, 1896 | Bijou Theater, Paterson, New Jersey, US | |
| 49 | Win | 35–2–7 (5) | Jimmy Kennard | TKO | 6 (12) | Feb 22, 1896 | West Newton Street Armory, Boston, Massachusetts, US | |
| 48 | Win | 34–2–7 (5) | Joe Elliott | KO | 7 (8) | Jan 17, 1896 | Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 47 | Win | 33–2–7 (5) | Benny Peterson | PTS | 4 | Jan 11, 1896 | Ariel A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US | |
| 46 | Win | 32–2–7 (5) | George Siddons | KO | 7 (25), 2:50 | Nov 28, 1895 | Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 45 | Draw | 31–2–7 (5) | Young Griffo | PTS | 10 | Nov 18, 1895 | Front Street Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Pre-arranged draw if lasting full distance. |
| 44 | Win | 31–2–6 (5) | Joe Elliott | KO | 9 (25) | Oct 21, 1895 | Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 43 | Draw | 30–2–6 (5) | George Siddons | PTS | 20 | Jul 15, 1895 | Eureka Athletic Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 42 | Win | 30–2–5 (5) | Howard Wilson | PTS | 10 | May 28, 1895 | Kernan's Theatre, Washington, D.C., US | |
| 41 | Win | 29–2–5 (5) | Benny Peterson | KO | 17 (20) | May 20, 1895 | Riverside Athletic Club, New York City, New York, US | |
| 40 | Win | 28–2–5 (5) | George Willis | KO | 4 (10) | May 14, 1895 | Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 39 | Draw | 27–2–5 (5) | Howard Wilson | PTS | 6 | May 9, 1895 | Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 38 | Win | 27–2–4 (5) | Frank Peabody | TKO | 3 (8) | May 4, 1895 | Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 37 | Win | 26–2–4 (5) | Kentucky Rosebud | TKO | 8 (8) | Apr 25, 1895 | Front Street Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 36 | Win | 25–2–4 (5) | David Armstrong | TKO | 3 (6) | Apr 18, 1895 | Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 35 | Loss | 24–2–4 (5) | Johnny Van Heest | PTS | 9 (8) | Apr 13, 1895 | Monumental Amphitheatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Gans had Van Heese whipped to a standstill in the eighth round, but Mr. Daniel Carr, the referee, ordered an extra round. Though Van Heest had none the best of the last round, he was given the decision. |
| 34 | Win | 24–1–4 (5) | Kentucky Rosebud | NWS | 6 | Apr 1, 1895 | Monumental Amphitheater, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 33 | Win | 23–1–4 (5) | Paul Johnson | PTS | 6 | Mar 22, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 32 | Win | 22–1–4 (5) | Harry Hunt | TKO | 4 (?) | Mar 20, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 31 | Draw | 21–1–4 (5) | Howard Wilson | PTS | 10 | Mar 18, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 30 | Draw | 21–1–3 (5) | Fred Sweigert | PTS | 10 | Mar 7, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 29 | Win | 21–1–2 (5) | Solomon English | TKO | 10 (10) | Mar 6, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Police interfered. |
| 28 | Win | 20–1–2 (5) | Max Wirsing | TKO | 3 (?) | Mar 4, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 27 | Draw | 19–1–2 (5) | James Daly | PTS | 11 (10) | Feb 16, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | An extra-round was fought. |
| 26 | Win | 19–1–1 (5) | James Davis | KO | 3 (10) | Feb 12, 1895 | Kernan's Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Second fight in one day |
| 25 | Win | 18–1–1 (5) | John Ball | PTS | 6 | Feb 12, 1895 | Kernan's Theater, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 24 | Win | 17–1–1 (5) | John Coates | PTS | 11 (10) | Feb 11, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | An additional round was fought to decide the winner. |
| 23 | Win | 16–1–1 (5) | Samuel Young | KO | 3 (?) | Feb 7, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 22 | Win | 15–1–1 (5) | Fred Sweigert | PTS | 10 | Feb 6, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 21 | Draw | 14–1–1 (5) | Dave Horn | PTS | 10 | Jan 23, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 20 | Win | 14–1 (5) | George Brummell | TKO | 5 (?) | Jan 19, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 19 | Win | 13–1 (5) | Paul Johnson | PTS | 10 | Jan 11, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 18 | Win | 12–1 (5) | Bud Brown | PTS | 10 | Jan 7, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Second fight in one day after Allen's corner man offered to fight Gans |
| 17 | Win | 11–1 (5) | Samuel Allen | KO | 3 (?) | Jan 7, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 16 | Win | 10–1 (5) | Fred Sweigert | PTS | ? | Jan 1, 1895 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 15 | Win | 9–1 (5) | Jack McDonald | TKO | 8 (?) | Dec 28, 1894 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 14 | Win | 8–1 (5) | John Coates | PTS | 10 | Dec 27, 1894 | Monumental A.C., Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 13 | Win | 7–1 (5) | Fred Sweigert | NWS | 10 | Dec 21, 1894 | Monumental A.C., Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 12 | Win | 6–1 (5) | Travis Brown | PTS | 6 | Dec 17, 1894 | Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 11 | ND | 5–1 (5) | Bud Young | ND | 4 | Nov 27, 1894 | Canton Academy, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 10 | ND | 5–1 (4) | Paul Johnson | ND | 3 (?) | Nov 12, 1894 | Grand Army Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | Gans was fouled and could not continue. Ruled a no decision |
| 9 | Win | 5–1 (3) | Jackson | TKO | 3 (4) | Jul 10, 1894 | Kernan's Theatre, Washington, D.C., US | |
| 8 | Loss | 4–1 (3) | Paul Johnson | PTS | 5 | Jun 27, 1894 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | For vacant Maryland colored lightweight title |
| 7 | Win | 4–0 (3) | Gustav Wilkie | PTS | 4 | Jun 26, 1894 | Monumental Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 6 | ND | 3–0 (3) | Robert Cook | ND | ? | May 21, 1894 | M F Conklin's Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 5 | Win | 3–0 (2) | Harry Brian | PTS | ? | Apr 25, 1894 | Allerino Gannic Casino, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 4 | ND | 2–0 (2) | Dave Horn | ND | 3 (?) | Apr 19, 1894 | Beach's Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 3 | Win | 2–0 (1) | William Jones | KO | 4 (?) | Feb 12, 1894 | Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 2 | Win | 1–0 (1) | William Jones | RTD | 6 (?) | Nov 27, 1893 | Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |
| 1 | ND | 0–0 (1) | Buck Myers | ND | ? | Oct 23, 1893 | Avon Club, Baltimore, Maryland, US | |

## Sports achievements

Awards and achievements :
| Preceded byFrank Erne | World Lightweight Champion 12 May 1902 – 4 July 1908 | Succeeded byBattling Nelson |
| Sporting positions |||
| Preceded byGeorge Dixon | Latest Born World Champion to Die August 10 – October 15, 1910 | Succeeded byStanley Ketchel |