BURNS, TOMMY

born June 17, 1881, Hanover, Ont., Can. died May 10, 1955, Vancouver, B.C. byname of Noah Brusso Canadian holder of the world heavyweight boxing championship from Feb. 23, 1906, when he won a 20-round decision over Marvin Hart in Los Angeles, until Dec. 26, 1908, when he lost to Jack Johnson in 14 rounds in Sydney. He successfully defended the title 11 times. From 1900 to 1920 Burns had 60 bouts, winning 45, 35 by knockouts. Late in his life (1948) he became an ordained minister.