Joe Louis

American boxer (1914-1981)

Joe Louis (born Joseph Louis Barrow, May 13, 1914 - April 12, 1981) was an American boxer. He was the world heavyweight champion from 1937 to 1949. Louis won the title from James Braddock. He made a record twenty-five title defenses before giving up the title in 1949. [1]

Joe Louis
Louis in 1941
Statistics
Real nameJoseph Louis Barrow
Nickname(s)Brown Bomber
Joe Louis
Height6 ft 0 in
Reach76 in
NationalityAmerican
Born(1914-05-13)May 13, 1914
LaFayette, Alabama, United States
DiedApril 12, 1981(1981-04-12) (aged 66)
Paradise, Nevada, United States
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights69
Wins66
Wins by KO52
Losses3
Medal record
Men's amateur boxing
Representing  United States
Golden Gloves
Gold medal – first place 1934 Chicago Light-heavyweight
Chicago Golden Gloves
Gold medal – first place 1934 Chicago Light-heavyweight
US National Championships
Gold medal – first place 1934 St.Louis Light-heavyweight

Career

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Perhaps his most famous fight was his one-round knockout of Max Schmeling, the German former heavyweight champion, in 1938. Schmeling had given Louis his only loss up to that point, and was widely seen at that time as a representative of Nazi Germany. The buildup to the fight was wrapped up in the politics of the United States versus Nazi Germany.

When World War II began, Louis signed up for the U.S. Army. While in the army, he boxed 100 exhibition bouts.

Louis died of a heart attack in Paradise, Nevada on April 12, 1981. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Legacy

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He has an arena named after him, the Joe Louis Arena where the Detroit Red Wings play.[source?]

References

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  1. "BoxRec: Login". boxrec.com. Retrieved 2020-06-06.

Other websites

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Preceded by
James Braddock
World Heavyweight Champion
22 Jun 1937–1 Mar 1949
Abandons title
Succeeded by
Ezzard Charles