1. 1937: Joe Louis becomes heavyweight champ
Photo : biography
Photo; atlantablackstar
It was on this date in 1937 that Joe Louis won the heavyweight boxing championship when he knocked out Jim Braddock in the eight round. The fight would take place in front of a screaming crowd at Cominskey Park, home of the Chicago White Sox. Louis earned the nickname “brown bomber” because of his fierce one punch power. Louis held the title for a record 11 years and 8 months which still stands as the longest reigning heavyweight champion. He would defend his title 25 times, winning 21 by knockout. The Ring Magazine ranked Louis #1 on their list of 100 greatest punchers of all time and the International Boxing Research Organization consider him to be the greatest heavyweight boxer that ever lived. That is quite the resume.
