Joseph Louis Barrow was born on May 13, 1914 in Lafayette, Alabama. HIs family moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1926 where he attended a vocational school for a while.
His amateur career began at age 17, when he lost his first bout. He followed that with many victories however, and in 1933 won the Detroit-area Golden Gloves Novice Division championship as a light heavyweight. He improved and honed his skills with each fight, and finished his amateur career with a record of 50-4, with 43 knockouts.
Joe signed with John Roxborough, a Detroit bookmaker to represent him. Jack ‘Chappy’ Blackburn became his trainer, with Julian
Black his promoter. His professional debut came on July 4, 1934 against Jack Kracken, which paid Louis a whopping $59 for a first round knockout win.
Joe fought 13 times in 1935, but his June 25th fight with ex champ Primo Carnera put his name in the spotlight. The six round knockout made it known Joe Louis would be a contender for the crown in no time.
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