| Birth: | May 13, 1914 | | Death: | Apr. 12, 1981 | 
Professional Boxer. Heavyweight Champion of the World from 1937 to 1949. He began his pro career in 1934, and by 1936 he had beaten such great heavyweights as Stanley Poreda, Natie Brown, and Rosco Toles. He was seemingly invincible, until his meeting with Max Schmeling on June 19, 1936. Schmeling was the underdog but, to the surprise of all, gave Joe Louis a stinging defeat by knocking him out in the 12th round. In 1937, he faced World Heavyweight Champion James J. Braddock in Chicago. In an eight round match, he captured the Heavyweight Championship of the World by knocking Braddock out. After this victory, Joe Louis stated, "I don't want nobody to call me champ until I beat Schmeling." On June 22, 1938, he again took on the man who had beaten him, Max Schmeling. With Adolph Hitler marching across Europe the fight became a huge international event. This time around, Joe Louis knocked Schmeling out in the first round and captured the admiration of countless Americans. As Champion, he took such boxers as Lou Nova, Tony Galento, Gus Dorazio, Buddy Baer, and Johnny Paycheck,. In an epic battle with Billy Conn at the Polo Grounds in 1941, he was behind on the scorecards and came back to knock out Conn in the late rounds. During World War II he served in the United States Army, then returned to the ring to defend his title several more times before retiring in 1949, still the undefeated Champion and with an astonishing 25 title defences. He tried several comebacks to the ring but they were unfortunately unsuccesful and he retired for good in 1951. He still holds the distinction of having successfully defended his title more times than any other heavyweight in history. His life and success story serve as proof that black and white Americans can coexist. When he died in 1981, Joe Louis was eulogized, and continues to be known, as one of the greatest prizefighters of all time.
Family links:
Parents:
Lillie Reese Barrow (1884 - 1953)
Spouse:
Martha Louis (1912 - 1991)
Cause of death: Cardiac Arrest
Search Amazon for Joe Louis | | | Burial:
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington
Arlington County
Virginia, USA
Plot: Section 7A, Grave 177 |
Maintained by: Find A Grave
Record added: Jan 01, 2001
Find A Grave Memorial# 644 |
|
|
|
God bless you on your Birthday (US Army's 238th Birthday). Rest in Peace, soldier.
-
Richard S. Barzelogna
Added: Jun. 14, 2013 |
God bless you on Flag Day (early). Old Glory has waived over a free nation for the 238th year because Heroes like you have defended Her. Rest in Peace.
-
Richard S. Barzelogna
Added: Jun. 11, 2013 |
-
RozE
Added: May. 27, 2013 |
| There are 635 more notes not showing...
Click here to view all notes...
| |
|
|
(4.6 after 245 votes)
