<P> Burns is one of the more over-looked heavyweight champions in history, best remembered today as the man whom Jack Johnson (boxer) beat to become the first black heavyweight champion . Yet Burns was the first truly international heavyweight champion, defending his title in America, England, Ireland, France and Australia . His 1907 title defense against Gunner Moir in London was the first World Heavyweight championship fight of the gloved era to be held outside of The United States . Standing at just 5'7 ", Burns is the shortest heavyweight champion in history, while only Bob Fitzsimmons weighed less in a world heavyweight title fight than Burns' 1681⁄2lbs when losing the title to Jack Johnson (boxer). </P> <P> Alongside Larry Holmes, Burns shares the record for most consecutive heavyweight title defenses by knockout or stoppage (eight). He was also the first World Heavyweight champion to win the title on points . Although physically over-matched against Johnson, who handed him his first stoppage loss, it is notable that Burns did not lose inside the distance again until the final fight of his career, at the age of 39 . </P> <P> Burns' reign as Heavyweight champion lasted for two years, ten months and 3 days, the 19th - longest reign in heavyweight history . His eleven consecutive successful title defenses is the joint - fourth highest total in heavyweight history, alongside Vitali Klitschko and behind Wladimir Klitschko (18 defenses), Larry Holmes (20 defenses) and Joe Louis (25 defenses). </P> <P> Despite these impressive statistics, Burns is not considered one of the great heavyweight champions . This can be attributed to the poor quality of the majority of his challengers, as well as his unimposing physique and small dimensions . These factors makes it difficult for boxing historians to imagine him competing with later heavyweight champions, who would have held significant physical advantages . His one - sided loss to Johnson in his most famous fight demonstrates this fact, and perhaps contributes to Burns' poor historical standing . His best win as champion was a 20 - rounds points decision over Philadelphia Jack O'Brien, who two years previously had stopped Bob Fitzsimmons to claim the World light - Heavyweight championship . </P>

Who defended world heavyweight title twice on same night in 1906