Sands, Dave (1926-1952), was an Australian boxer of Aboriginal heritage. He was the best known of six brothers who won professional boxing fame in Australia and New Zealand. The family’s real name was Ritchie, but all six fought under the name of Sands.
Dave Sands was born on Feb. 4, 1926, in Burnt Ridge, near Kempsey, New South Wales. He turned professional in 1943. By 1946, he had become the Australian middleweight champion, a title he held until his death. Sands became Empire middleweight champion in 1949. He held the Australian light-heavyweight, and heavyweight titles and the Australasian light-heavyweight title until his death in a truck accident on Aug. 11, 1952. Many people believed that Sands could have won the world middleweight title but never had a chance to fight for it. A fighter whom Sands defeated twice, Bobo Olson, later won the world championship.
Sands compiled a professional record of 93 victories, 8 defeats, 1 draw, and 2 no contests. Sixty-two of his victories came by knockout, 15 in the first round.
Sands came from a boxing background. His father and uncle were fighters. His brother Russell won the Australian featherweight championship at the age of 17. Four other Sands brothers—Clem, George, Ritchie, and Alfie—were also successful boxers.
