Joe Louis

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.

Joe Louis
Louis in 1941
Born	Joseph Louis Barrow (1914-05-13)May 13, 1914 LaFayette, Alabama, United States
Died	April 12, 1981(1981-04-12) (aged 66) Paradise, Nevada, United States
Nationality	American
Other names	Brown Bomber Joe Louis
Statistics
Height	6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Reach	76 in (193 cm)
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	69
Wins	66
Wins by KO	52
Losses	3
Medal record Men's amateur boxing Representing United States Golden Gloves 1934 Chicago Light-heavyweight Chicago Golden Gloves 1934 Chicago Light-heavyweight US National Championships 1934 St.Louis Light-heavyweight

Career

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.

Death

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

Legacy

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

Other websites

• Brown Bomber, a hero to many

Preceded by James Braddock

World Heavyweight Champion 22 Jun 1937–1 Mar 1949 Abandons title

Succeeded by Ezzard Charles