Joseph Louis Barrow (May 13, 1914 – April 12, 1981)….best known as Joe Louis….was an American professional boxer. He held the world heavyweight championship from 1937 to 1949….and is considered to be one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. Nicknamed the “Brown Bomber”….Louis helped elevate boxing from a decline in popularity in the post-Jack Dempsey era….by establishing a reputation as an honest, hardworking fighter at a time when the sport was dominated by gambling interests. Louis’ championship reign lasted 140 consecutive months….during which he participated in 26 championship fights…..a 27th fight, against Ezzard Charles, was a challenge to Charles’ heavyweight title….so it is not included in Louis’ reign. The Brown Bomber was victorious in 25 title defenses….a record for any division. 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….although this lil ole Chiweenie does not agree with this ranking….cuz in my humble opinion…..Ali would have whupped Louis had they ever fought.
Louis’ cultural impact was felt well outside the ring. He is widely regarded as the first African 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. He was instrumental in integrating the game of golf….breaking the sport’s color barrier in America by appearing under a sponsor’s exemption in a PGA event in 1952.
