Joe Louis

Biography

Joe Louis held the heavyweight title for 12 years and defended it 25 times - both records that have never been approached. The "Brown Bomber" punched with a precision that made opponents feel they'd been surgically dismantled. His 1938 rematch with Max Schmeling, who had beaten him two years earlier, became a proxy war between American democracy and Nazi Germany; Louis won in 124 seconds. The power was legendary, but so was the stoicism - he fought with an expression that barely changed whether winning or losing. Tax problems followed him into retirement, a sad coda for a champion who had meant so much to so many.

Career Highlights

• 66-3 professional record
• 25 successful title defenses (record)
• Heavyweight champion for 12 years
• Defeated Max Schmeling in historic fight
• Served in WWII

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