James Braddock vs. Joe Louis

James Braddock vs. Joe Louis was a heavyweight professional boxing fight for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world between champion James J. Braddock and challenger Joe Louis. The fight took place on June 22, 1937 at Comiskey Park in Chicago, Illinois.

Pre-fight

Braddock win the title by defeating Max Baer. Baer was supposed to have a rematch, but the fight never occurred. Baer instead fought Joe Louis. Louis defeated Baer, paving the way for Louis to fight Braddock for the title (although between the Baer fight and this title fight, Louis lost to Max Schmeling).[1] This was Braddock's first and only defense and occurred over two years after winning the title.[2]

Fight

Louis was knocked down early in the fight, but ultimately prevailed by way of eighth round knockout.[3]

Aftermath

This fight began an unprecedented reign by Louis that included a 12-year continuous run as champion where he defeated 25 challengers, both records that still stand.[4]

While the bout was the end of Braddock as a major boxing force, fighting only once after this fight, part of his contract with Louis was to gain a portion of Louis' earnings over the next decade.[5]

References

  1. ↑ Fighters. "Baer vs. Louis: "Fate Takes a Hand"". Boxing.com. Retrieved 2016-10-16.
  2. ↑ tabbertc (2010-08-11). "Chicago Sports Memories: Louis vs. Braddock". Chicagosportsmemories.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2016-10-16.
  3. ↑ "James J. Braddock, The Cinderella Man". Boxing247.com. Retrieved 2016-10-16.
  4. ↑ "Louis becomes champ - Jun 22, 1937". HISTORY.com. Retrieved 2016-10-16.
  5. ↑ Willis, George (2005-05-29). "Champion Of The People – Even After 'Cinderella Man,' James Braddock Made History | New York Post". Nypost.com. Retrieved 2016-10-16.
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