Ed Martin

Edward "Denver Ed" Martin (September 10, 1881, or 1877 – May 11, 1937) was an American boxer who was the World Colored Heavyweight Champion from February 24, 1902, when he beat Frank Childs, until February 5, 1903, when he lost his title to Jack Johnson, the only Colored Heavyweight Champion (and first African American) to win the world's heavyweight championship. Known as "Denver Ed Martin" and "The Colorado Giant", Martin was born in Denver, Colorado, on September 10, 1881 (or 1877). His father was born in Alabama and his mother in Georgia. His height was listed as , while some sources report that he was 6' 6" or 6' 6½" tall. Martin was a strong boxer with renowned footwork who was a strong puncher. World Colored Heavyweight Champ Martin made his debut against former colored heavyweight champ Bob Armstrong on June 6, 1899, at the Lenox Athletic Club in New York City and was knocked out in the second round. He became the colored heavyweight champ when he beat title-holder Frank Childs in a bout in Chicago on February 25, 1902, out-pointing the champ in a six-round contest. He defended the colored heavyweight title against rival Bob Armstrong at the Crystal Palace in London on July 25, 1902. According to the Associated Press coverage of the fight: "Martin proved the cleverer and never gave his opponent a chance, being declared an easy winner on points at the close of the fifteenth round; Martin, it is announced, will challenge the winner of the Jeffries-Fitzsimmons fight in San Francsico."