After his destruction of Max Schmeling in their rematch in June of 1938, Joe Louis was recognized as the legitimate champion of the world. He began fighting often, taking on all comers, and gaining in popularity with each bout,
Many critics called his opponents the members of the ‘Bum of the Month Club’. However, you can only fight the competition available and Louis took on everyone. From January of 1939 until May of 1941, he fought thirteen times and won each time. Ignoring the pundits, the champ continued his reign as the heavyweight king.
On June 18, 1941, Joe took on light heavyweight champ Billy Conn at the Polo Grounds in New York. Conn was outweighed by Louis by 20 pounds, but was outboxing the champ for eleven rounds. The champ was suffering from dehydration as well, and it appeared he might lose to the challenger from Pittsburgh. However, Joe sucked it up and knocked Billy out in the thirteenth round, retaining his title, and once again proving his greatness.
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM AT kensoldtimeboxingchat
LISTEN TO MY PODCAST ON SPOTIFY AT kensoltimeboxingchat
