Joe Louis

Joe Louis, considered one of the greatest heavyweight boxers ever to grace the canvas, reigned as world heavyweight champion from 1937 to 1949, the longest single reign as champion by any heavyweight boxer, compiling winning decisions in 25 matches over 140 consecutive months. He was ranked as the best heavyweight boxer of all time in 2005 by the International Boxing Research Organization. Louis' influence outside the ring was extensive-the first African-American to be considered a nationwide...See more

Joe Louis, considered one of the greatest heavyweight boxers ever to grace the canvas, reigned as world heavyweight champion from 1937 to 1949, the longest single reign as champion by any heavyweight boxer, compiling winning decisions in 25 matches over 140 consecutive months. He was ranked as the best heavyweight boxer of all time in 2005 by the International Boxing Research Organization. Louis' influence outside the ring was extensive-the first African-American to be considered a nationwide hero, serving in the Army's Special Services Division as role model for World War II soldiers of all ethnic backgrounds, and he was instrumental in breaking the color barrier in golf after the war. The "Brown Bomber" continued to be active in boxing even in retirement. In 1982 he was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award accorded by the U.S. Congress. See less