Joe Louis

       Joe Louis is often remembered as one of, if not the best boxer of all time. He was a serious threat to his opponents no matter how skilled they might have been. Louis’s achievements as a boxer can be seen in his incredible “overall record of 119-6 (.952), amateur record of 50-3 and 43 knockouts, professional record 69-3 and 52 knockouts, with a record for the longest heavyweight title reign 1937-1949” (Michigan). His career is only made more impressive because he fought during the golden age of boxing. Boxing in the 1930s was a completely different sport from boxing now. At the time, boxing was the 2nd most popular sport in America just behind baseball. This meant much more attention and popularity for fights and much more pressure to exceed in the sport. One of Joe Louis's greatest fights was his historical rematch with Max Schmeling,“On June 22, 1938, Joe Louis and Max Schmeling, whom Adolf Hitler saw as an exemplary representative of the Aryan race, faced off in front of 70,043 fans in a dramatic rematch at Yankee Stadium. Louis defeated Schmeling in two minutes and four seconds, knocking him out in the first round.” (History). The fight followed Louis’s first fight against Schmeling, where Joe Louis lost to Schmeling in the 12th round by knockout. The outcome of this rematch was important for America as a whole because it was near the beginning of WWII, and if Louis won the rematch it would ultimately prove that Hitler didn’t actually have a “master race”. Louis’s victory over Schmeling in the rematch proved he could overcome his previous failures and come out on top, no matter what. Joe Louis was also greatly respected by the rest of the boxing world, including his opponents. An example of this can be seen in a quote from Max Schmeling before his first fight with Louis, "Joe Louis is the hardest puncher that I've ever seen... He's a good man. Anyone who plans on beating him had better know what they're doing." stated Max Schmeling, before the first fight ” (qtd in “Joe”). The argument could be made that Joe Louis was the best of his time. He was respected by the boxing community for his skills, and those very same skills earned him the title of "Heavyweight Champion of the World". 

Joe Louis’s impact during WWII wasn’t limited to the Max Schmeling fight. One of the things he did during WWII was when he, “He traveled 22,000 miles to perform 96 boxing exhibitions for two million soldiers. Joe participated in recruiting with his ‘We’ll win, because we’re on God’s side’ comment a key slogan." (Michigan) Through his contributions to America during WWII Joe Louis raised troop morale with his 96 boxing exhibitions and campaigns against the Nazis and Hitler before and during the war. For his work during the war, "He was awarded the Legion of Merit on September 23, 1945, for incalculable contribution to the general morale.” (Michigan). The Legion of Merit he received is awarded for outstanding service, fidelity, and loyalty in either combat or noncombat positions. Joe Louis's participation in the war was vital to troop morale and showed his care for America. He was admired and viewed as a national hero by millions across the country.

Overall, Joe Louis is remembered as a fantastic boxer, an American hero, and an individual who was vital in how the black community was viewed in the 1930’s. Joe Louis’s legacy consists of tributes such as Joe Louis American Legion Post 375, the Joe Louis Arena, the fisted hand monument at the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Woodward Avenue. Others include the “Congressional Gold Medal”, a Bronze statue at the Alabama Chambers County Courthouse, an honorary PGA membership, and a book called “Brown Bomber” by Barney Nagler. (Michigan). Joe Louis’s effect on the sport of boxing during its golden age, and how his actions changed the way America viewed the black community is something he will be forever immortalized for.