Boxing – Heavyweight Champions – Joe Louis – Tribute To The Brown Bomber

DOG COMMENTARY:

Joe Louis was to the 1940’s…..what Jack Johnson was to the 1910′ s…..what Jack Dempsey was to the 1920’s….what Rocky Marciano was to the 1950’s….and Muhammad Ali was to the 1960’s and 1970’s….he was simply the greatest of his era both inside and outside of the ring.

Joseph Louis Barrow (May 13, 1914 – April 12, 1981)….best known as Joe Louis….was an American professional boxer….who held the world heavyweight championship title from 1937 to 1949….and is considered to be one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. Nicknamed the “Brown Bomber”….Louis’ championship reign lasted 140 consecutive months….during which he participated in 26 championship fights….with a 27th fight against Ezzard Charles being a challenge to Charles’ heavyweight title and so is not included in Louis’ reign. Louis was victorious in 25 title defense….a world record second only to Mexican lightweight Julio César Chávez with 27.

In 2005, Louis was ranked as the #1 heavyweight of all-time by the International Boxing Research Organization…..and was ranked #1 on The Ring magazine’s list of the 100 Greatest Punchers of All-Time…both of which this lil ole Sportsphile does not agree….for in my opinion, Louis did not fight during an era of outstanding heavyweight fighters…..not even close to the era of Muhammad Ali……who ranks on my list of the greatest heavyweights of all time at # 1.