Louis, << LOO ihs, >> Joe (1914-1981), an American boxer, held the world heavyweight championship from 1937 to 1949. He had a longer reign than any other champion in any division in the history of boxing. His efficient style combined a steady forward movement with an accurate, two-fisted attack. He won 66 fights, including 49 by knockout, of which 10 were in the first round.
Louis was born on May 13, 1914, in Lafayette, Alabama. His given and family name was Joe Louis Barrow. He shortened his name to Joe Louis soon after he began boxing. Louis won the national Amateur Association Light Heavyweight Championship in 1934 and turned professional the same year. He won his first 23 bouts, 19 of them by knockout, before losing to former heavyweight champion Max Schmeling in 1936. Louis won the title in June 1937 by knocking out James J. Braddock. He successfully defended his title 25 times, scoring 22 knockouts, including a first round knockout of Schmeling in a return bout in June 1938. Louis retired in 1949. He attempted a comeback in 1950 and 1951 before losing to Rocky Marciano in his final fight. Louis died on April 12, 1981.
Loading the player...Joe Louis in 1948
