Like Jesse Owens, Joe Louis was born in a cotton plantation in Alabama. The second youngest of eight children, he also acquired five step-brothers and sisters when his mother married for the second time; he was 12 years old before he ever visited a large city. Despite a difficult childhood, Joe Louis went on to make boxing history during a career as strange as any in boxing. After turning professional, he was defeated only once, in 1936, by the German Max Schmeling but when fighting for the heavyweight title, Joe Louis obtained his revenge by knocking the German out after only 2:04 on 22 June 1938. Joe Louis remained unbeaten heavyweight champion for 11 years, 8 months and 7 days, during which time he defended his title 25 times. On the way, he had to beat three former heavyweight champions (Primo Carnera, Max Baer and Jack Sharkey) before wresting the world title from James Jim Braddock on 22 June 1937 in Chicago. During the space of five months, between 31 January 1941 and 18 June 1941, he successfully defended his title six times, always within the limit.

Sadly, in order to keep the Inland Revenue happy, Joe Louis was forced to return to the ring in 1950, after he had officially retired on 1 March 1949. His second career was, not surprisingly, far less brilliant than the first, and came to an untimely end when he was defeated by a knock-out from Rocky Marciano in the 8th round on 26 October 1951 in New York.

Nicknamed the "Brown Bomber", the Joe Louis of the 'thirties with his tight, defensive game and irresistible punch, was without doubt one of the great boxing champions of all times.

JOE LOUIS Joseph Louis Barrow Born May 13, 1914, in Lexington, Ala.

AWARDS AND RECORDS
Winner of amateur Golden Gloves 1934
First black heavyweight champion of the world since Jack Johnson in 1908, who was holder of the title from 1908 to 1915

Photo: The Brown Bomber in his heyday