The Gains Collection
This collection features historic newspaper articles, Larry Gains’s boxing gloves, a glimpse of his autobiography The Impossible Dream, and other key information about his life and career.
Ernest Hemingway and Larry Gains: A Meeting in Paris
In 1923, while living in Paris and working as a correspondent for the Toronto Star, American author Ernest Hemingway received a letter from the newspaper’s sports editor. The editor, who had worked with Hemingway in Toronto, asked him to look out for a promising young Canadian boxer named Larry Gains, someone he believed could become Canada’s next heavyweight champion.
Gains had come to Paris to train and compete in Europe. At the time, very few Black athletes were given real opportunities in professional sports, but Paris had previously welcomed black American greats Jack Johnson, Sam Langford, Joe Jeanette and Sam McVey.
Hemingway, who loved boxing and had boxed himself, albeit as a passionate amateur ‘enthusiast’ was immediately interested.
They met at the Café Napolitain, a popular gathering spot in Paris for writers, artists, and athletes. Hemingway later described Gains as “very nice,” and noted how enormous his hands were so large, in fact, that they couldn’t fit into standard boxing gloves.
That meeting sparked a respectful friendship. Hemingway admired in Gains the traits he valued most: calm under pressure, quiet strength, and total dedication to his craft.
Their story shows how Larry Gains was more than just a great boxer. He moved between very different worlds from tough boxing gyms to the cafés of Paris where famous writers gathered. His connection with Hemingway is a reminder of the wide reach of his influence and the respect he earned far beyond the ring.
The George Hotel: Desborough, Northamptonshire
Filmed at the George Hotel in Desborough, this video shows boxing legend Larry Gains training in the gym and speaking on camera. It also features a brief moment with his daughter, Betty.
Larry Gains: A Musical Chapter
Though widely known for his achievements in the boxing ring, Larry Gains also nurtured a deep passion for music. Beyond the spotlight of sports, Larry explored his love for singing through performances with a band known as the Canadian Kings of swing, a group that reflected the spirit and rhythm of the era. He also performed regularly with a hotel band, showcasing his vocal talent in more intimate, elegant settings.
Larry was a gifted singer, blessed with a warm and expressive voice that could effortlessly convey both joy and bittersweetness. One of his favourite songs was the timeless classic “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love”, a tune that perfectly suited his gentle style.
Larry Gains entertains a cheerful crowd inside The Minerva Tavern & Hotel, Southend-on-Sea, July 1953. Locals gather around, smiling and enjoying the presence of Larry.
Listen to the Song
In the 1930s, Larry recorded two songs on gramophone records, precious mementos that offer a rare glimpse into his musical side. One was a duet rendition of “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love”, performed with his close friend Snowy, and the other, “Dinah – Madonna (From ‘When Day Is Done’)”, a heartfelt duet with his beloved wife, Lisa. Both recordings captured not only the charm of the melodies, but also the affection and natural harmony Larry shared with his singing partners.
Phil Scott vs Larry Gains 1931: For the British Empire heavyweight title
This original programme marks the night Larry Gains made history. Fighting in Leicester, he knocked out British favourite Phil Scott in just two rounds to claim the British Empire Heavyweight Title.
Larry Gains vs. Primo Carnera – 1932
In front of 70,000 fans at White City Stadium, London, Larry Gains defeated Italian heavyweight Primo Carnera on points over 10 rounds. Despite Carnera’s size advantage, Gains used speed and skill to secure a decisive win.
A landmark moment in boxing history.
Watch the historic fight below:
Leicester City: Larry’s Parade 1932
Larry’s contributions to the city and the sport of boxing went beyond his victories. Larry was a key figure in the city’s community. After his famous match against Primo Carnera in London, Larry was welcomed back to Leicester with a grand parade organised by the city’s mayor.
Evington Echo
Larry Gains vs Primo Carnera: From Boxing to Wrestling
Primo Carnera and Larry Gains first met in a 1932 boxing match. Nearly 20 years later, they face off again, this time in a wrestling match, captured at London’s iconic Harringay Arena in 1951.
Second World War Service (1939–1945)
During the Second World War, Larry Gains joined the Auxiliary Military Pioneer Corps regiment, which was later renamed the Pioneer Corps in 1940. He served as a Physical Training Instructor, rising to the rank of Sergeant Major, and played a vital role in preparing troops through physical fitness and discipline.
Larry Gains in his British Army uniform at Buxton, Derbyshire, England, UK.1944.
Gains also completed a tour in the Middle East, contributing to Britain’s efforts across multiple fronts. His military service reflects the same strength, leadership, and dedication that defined his legendary boxing career. A true champion both in and out of the ring.
Brian Lawrence, who is known to all listeners in, is seen, left, with Arthur Prince, the famous ventriloquial music hall star. Both are now in the War Reserve Police. Above is Larry Gains, the boxer, now a sergeant instructor in physical training.
credited for photo: Keystone, planet News and Fox. From The War Illustrated 1940.
Larry Gains with Pop Newman
Pop Newman wasn’t just a sparring partner, he was a key part of Larry Gains’s training and support team. He played a vital role in physical preparation, strategic planning, and providing steady emotional support throughout Gains’s career in Leicester.
More than colleagues in the ring, they were close friends. Their shared dedication to the sport and to one another formed a lasting bond that extended well beyond boxing.
President of the London Ex-Boxers Association (1976–1983)
Larry Gains served as the President of the London Ex-Boxers Association from 1976 to 1983. A respected former heavyweight boxer, Gains brought leadership, experience, and dedication to the organisation during his time in office. Under his guidance, the Association remained committed to its mission of supporting and connecting former boxers, while preserving the rich history and camaraderie of boxing in London.
The Impossible Dream - An Autobiography by Larry gains
The Impossible Dream follows the remarkable life of Larry Gains — from global boxing rings to Canadian night trains, cattle boats, Riviera casinos, and 1920s Paris. It tells of his rise and the racial politics that denied him a shot at the official world heavyweight title, turning his lifelong pursuit into the impossible dream.
If you’d like to hear the full story, the book is available on Audible.
Larry Gains’s Boxing Gloves
These boxing gloves once belonged to Larry Gains.
In the 1930s, Larry was trained and promoted by Jim Panter, who worked with a group of fighters including Gains, Reggie Meen, Max Hodgetts, and Ben Ford. Jim held training sessions in the courtyard of the George Hotel in Desborough, Northamptonshire, and arranged their matches at Granby Halls in Leicester.
Jim Panter’s grandson, Tom Hannah, recalled:
“My grandfather gave these gloves to me in 1953 when I was 10 years old. According to him, they are the actual gloves Larry wore … I have great pleasure in reuniting the gloves with the Gains family in memory of our family connection.”
‘N.B. Unfortunately, we do not know exactly for which of Larry’s many contests he wore these gloves, but Tom was informed by his grandfather that they were definitely ‘fight worn’.
The gloves, kept in the Panter family for decades, now return to the Gains family as a powerful symbol of shared history, honouring a great boxer and his legacy.
Credit To The British Library
Dr David Dee – Associate Professor/Reader in Modern History, De Montfort University Leicester (DMU)
This video is part of a research project led by Dr David Dee and funded by the Gerda Henkel Stiftung. A book based on the project will be published later this year by Oxford University Press, entitled Migrants, Minorities, and the History of British Boxing: Insiders, Outsiders and Ringsiders.
The film is part of a wider series exploring key figures in British boxing history.
Episode 1 examines the life and career of the legendary bare knuckle boxer Daniel Mendoza.
Episode 2 – featured here, tells the powerful story of Larry Gains and Len Johnson.
Watch Episode 2 here
Episode 3 examines the 1948 fight for the British Middleweight title.
Episode 4 – Case Study :Amir Khan
Episode 5 – Interview with Dr. David Dee
Please note: While permission has been granted for the use of this video, the Gerda Henkel Stiftung maintains a position of political neutrality and does not endorse or support any specific campaigns.