Today, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth and Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre commemorated the national historic significance of Larry Gains at a special plaque unveiling ceremony at the Cabbagetown Boxing Club in Toronto, ON. The unveiling was made on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada.
Born in Toronto in 1900, Larry Gains trained at Toronto's Praestamus Athletic Club, an organization for Black boxers. Larry Gains' reputation as a successful amateur boxer quickly grew. Throughout his career as one of the top heavyweights of his era, Gains was subject to discrimination, which prevented non-white boxers from competing for top-level titles.
In 1923, Gains moved to England due to racial discrimination he faced in North America that limited his career prospects. Like other Black boxers from North America who moved to Europe, Gains hoped that his talents as an athlete would be given equal consideration to other fighters. In 1927, Gains won his first professional title, that of Canadian Heavyweight Champion. In 1932, Gains won the British Empire Heavyweight Title, yet racial prejudice continued to limit his success. Gains was barred from competing for the English Heavyweight Title and the World Heavyweight Title, despite being a legitimate contender for both championships. He officially retired from boxing in 1941.
The Government of Canada, through Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, recognizes significant people, places, and events that shaped this country as one way of helping Canadians connect with their past. By sharing these stories with Canadians, we hope to foster understanding and reflection on the diverse histories, cultures, legacies, and realities of Canada's past and present.
