Joe Louis
The Brown Bomber: 25 consecutive title defenses, longest heavyweight reign.
Joseph Louis Barrow (May 13, 1914 – April 12, 1981) was an American professional boxer who competed from 1934 to 1951. Nicknamed "the Brown Bomber", Louis is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential boxers of all time. He reigned as the world heavyweight champion from 1937 until his temporary retirement in 1949. He was victorious in 25 consecutive title defenses, a record for all weight classes. Louis has the longest single reign as champion of any boxer in history.
Quick Facts
- Role
- World Heavyweight Champion
- Nationality
- American
- Style
- Orthodox
- Championship reign
- 8 years, 4 months (Record)
- Notable opponents
- Max Schmeling
- Primo Carnera
- Billy Conn
- Status
- Legend; Hall of Fame
Lore & Background
Louis's cultural impact was felt well outside the ring. He is widely regarded as the first Black American to achieve the status of a nationwide hero within the United States, and was also a focal point of anti-Nazi sentiment leading up to and during World War II because of his historic rematch with German boxer Max Schmeling in 1938.
Reader's Guide
Louis's professional debut came on July 4, 1934, against Jack Kracken in the Bacon Casino on Chicago's south side. Louis earned $59 for knocking out Kracken in the first round. $59 in 1934 is equivalent to $1,148.60 in 2020 dollars.
Did You Know?
- Louis weighed 11 lb at birth.
- He suffered from a speech impediment and spoke very little until about age six.
- Louis's mother tried to get him interested in playing the violin; he is rumored to have hidden his boxing gloves inside his violin case.
- By the end of his amateur career, Louis's record was 50–4, with 43 knockouts.
- Louis had only three losses in his 69 professional fights, with 52 knockouts.
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