Quick Facts
Biography
Solomon Garcia Smith (born March 6, 1871 in Los Angeles, California, deceased August 28, 1933) was a Mexican-American boxer in the featherweight division. He was a World Featherweight champion and was the first world champion of Native American descent.
Early life
Smith was born in Los Angeles, the son of a Mexican mother and an Irish father. He was an outstanding long distance track runner in his youth, which may have later aided his ability to endure long boxing bouts.
Professional career
World Featherweight Championship
In his first attempt Solomon Garcia Smith won the World Featherweight Championship by upsetting George Dixon in a seventh round TKO at Brooklyn's Coney Island. After the fight Smith was arrested for his bout with Johnny Griffin in Roby, Indiana, two months earlier. Wyatt Earp had been the timekeeper.
On September 26, 1898 Solomon lost his Championship in a controversial bout with Dave Sullivan because he broke his left arm near the wrist in the second round and was unable to continue the fight.