Joe Goss

Who was Joe Goss?

Joe Goss was born on 5 November 1838 in Northampton, England. Although he rarely scaled more than 160 pounds, the clever and aggressive Goss routinely fought men both bigger and heavier than himself.

At the age of twenty, Goss began his career with a 90-minute victory over George Hares. Goss would not lose a contest until Hall of Famer Jem Mace defeated him in 19 rounds in London on 1 September 1863. Goss would unsuccessfully challenge his nemesis Mace on two other occasions, including an 1866 championship contest.

In 1876 Goss would claim the world's heavyweight title after defeating Tom Allen on a foul in 21 rounds. Goss met Paddy Ryan on 30 May 1880 in Coillier's Station, West Virginia. Goss was unable to continue and the contest was stopped after ninety minutes in the 87th round of the championship bout. Goss engaged in a series of exhibition bouts with John L. Sullivan before retiring in 1882 and was in Sullivan's corner when Sullivan won the title from Paddy Ryan. He died on 24 March 1885 in Boston, Massachusetts, in the U.S.