From some, I've heard that a prime Dixon was the best P4P fighter in the world. From others, I've heard that he's overrated, or not on the same level as Gans or Walcott. So what's the truth? How good was George Dixon at his best?
He was probably the best fighter on the planet at some point. Gans and Walcott would definitely have taken their hats off if he walked into the room, while they were both active fighters.
Absolutely great. As respected by his peers as any other fighter in history, probably. As respected as anyone by his fellow fighters. "If there ever was anything like gratitude existent in the coloured race of America a fund would be raised with which to purchase an annuity to maintain Dixon comfortably for the rest of his days, for, by his pluck and integrity, he has done more to gain consideration for Dark-skinned men than ever Frederick Douglas did." This is an article from the Saint Louis Republic discussing post-McGovern, on about how awful it was that he had to continue to box for money. Obvioulsy not true but always struck me.
Adam Pollack from his masterpiece In The Ring With Jack Johnson Part 1: Inexplicably Huge for Being a "Part One": "Sandy Ferguson was at ringside, sitting near Johnson's corner. Several times during the bout, by his remarks, it appeared that he was trying to divert opponent Sam Langford's attention from Johnson and rattle him so that Johnson could sneak in a blow...George Dixon was at ringside as well, and wanted Johnson to win, but conducted himself in a more quiet and sportsmanlike manner. When Ferguson and Joe Walcott, who was in Johnson's corner, got to shouting and hollering too much, Dixon told them both to shut up as it did not gain Johnson anything. At first they did not listen, but eventually their shouting subsided when they saw Dixon meant it." I get such a kick out of stuff like that, 6'3 210 Ferguson and pound-for-pounder Walcott shitting themselves off little Dixon. Gives you some idea how respected the wee man was even at the doorstop of his own awesome career.
