Joseph Louis Barrow was born on May 13, 1914 in rural Alabama. In 1926, his family moved to Detroit, Michigan, where Joe went to vocational school to learn cabinetmaking. He made his amateur career at 17 in early 1932, and quickly developed as a boxer. He won a list of amateur titles, before finishing with a record of 50-4, 43 wins by knockout.
Joe’s early bouts attracted a host of promoters, and he settled on a local bookmaker named John Roxborough. Teamed with a promoter named Julian Black, Louis won all 12 of his pro bouts in 1934. In 1935, he fought 13 more times and started to gain national attention. He knocked ex-champs Primo Carnera, and Max Baer, which showcased his punching power.
In June of 1936, Joe suffered a huge setback, when he was knocked out in the 12th round by German Max Schmeling at Yankee Stadium. It was his first professional loss, and many supporters left his side after the defeat, saying he was all hype.
Joe’s managers slickly arranged a title shot against James Braddock on June 22, 1937, and Louis didn’t disappoint. He knocked Braddock out cold in the eighth round, and was now the Heavyweight Champion of the World. Joe made several defenses, but had nothing but revenge against Schmeling on his mind.
That opportunity came on June 22, 1938 before a sold-out Yankee Stadium crowd. The fight last just over two minutes, with Louis clobbering Schmeling, knocking him down three times and out. Joe had his revenge, and set out on defending his title against all comers.
He would defend his crown a record 25 times, before retiring in 1949. Unfortunately, IRS bills brought him back two years later, but that ended when Rocky Marciano knocked him out of the ring on October 26, 1951. Joe had nothing to be ashamed of, and quit for good. He later settled in Las Vegas, and worked for Caesar’s Palace until his death on April 12, 1981. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990. When I think of all-time great heavyweights, Joe Louis immediately comes to mind.
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM AT kensoldtimeboxingchat
LISTEN TO MY PODCAST ON SPOTIFY AT kensoldtimeboxingchat
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM AT kensoldtimeboxingchat
