THE family of a trailblazing boxer and heavyweight champion are campaigning for the a blue plaque to be installed at the Shoebury Hotel - where he once lived and trained. 

Larry Gains rose to fame in the early 1900s but despite being one of the top heavyweights of his era, he was denied the opportunity to become World Champion due to a ban on black boxers competing for the title. 

Throughout his career he faced frequent racial barriers and twice was recognised as the "World Coloured Heavyweight Champion". 

The boxer (centre) faced countless racial obstaclesThe boxer (centre) faced countless racial obstacles (Image: The Gains family)

He was the last boxer to hold the title before it became extinct in 1937. 

The boxer lived in Shoebury after retiring from professional competition in 1940, running his own gym in the city where he trained aspiring young boxers.

The Gains family, many of whom still live in Southend, believe that now is the right time to bring their trailblazing ancestor back into the spotlight.

They have teamed up with English Heritage and Nubian Jak Community Trust to fund and install a blue plaque in the boxer’s memory.

Larry Gains trained aspiring boxers in SouthendLarry Gains trained aspiring boxers in Southend (Image: The Gains family) The family hopes the plaque will be installed on the Shoebury Hotel.

Larry’s great-grandson, Michael Gains, is leading the campaign. 

He said: “We just want to spread the word about his story. He’s just one of several black boxers who would’ve been recognised had the racial bans not been in place.

“He had no bitterness about the racial discrimination he faced and everyone who knew him just said he was a true gentleman."

Larry also performed at the Southend Hotel where he sang and played the drumsLarry also performed at the Southend Hotel, where he sang and played the drums (Image: The Gains family)

Larry was born in Toronto in 1900 and began boxing at the age of 20. After a successful amateur career, he left Canada via cattle ship and began a search for professional opportunities in Britain.

According to Michael, his great-grandfathers talents were not limited to the ring. 

“Larry also sang and played the drums. He’d often perform in Southend," he said. 

“He was a very close friend of Ernest Hemingway after they met in France and there’s even a letter in the JFK Boston Museum from my great grandad to JFK."

More information about Larry Gains and the fundraiser for a blue plaque in his memory can be found at crowdfunder.co.uk/p/historical-blue-plaque-for-larry-gains