Sam McVey
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Sam McVey (or Sam McVea) (~1884 - 1921) was a famous heavyweight contender in boxing during the early 20th century. He fought out of Oxnard, California. McVea ranked alongside Sam Langford and Joe Jeanette as one of the top black fighters in the during a famed career that took him across the globe. In 97 documented fights in at least 10 different countries, McVea only lost 13 bouts. His greatest wins include two victories over both Sam Langford and Harry Wills, which won him the "colored heavyweight title" on two separate occasions, respectively. McVea contracted pneumonia in New York City during the winter of 1921, and died penniless while still an active fighter. McVea spent much of his prime years fighting overseas, though usually against other top American fighters.