Boxing
Joe Louis: Heavyweight master who knocked out fascism
Published
1 year agoon
By Owais tabassum: The year was 1938. Adolf Hitler and his Nazi party just annexed Austria. Humanity was holding his breath when the world shakes on the edge of the most destructive conflict in history – World War II.
Among this approaching catastrophe, the next battle occupied a central place in the Staw in Novel York. The air was dense with the smog of the great crisis, when the seventy thousand viewers packed the Yankee stadium, and the estimated one hundred million listeners tuned on the radio around the world as a ponderous weight master Boxing, Joe Louis, met with Max Schmeling in Germany.
Adolf Hitler and the “main propagandist of the Nazi party” Joseph Goebbels supported Schmeling as their advertising Stooge in the world of boxing and in a good thing.
Schmeling was a skillful boxer, quick on the legs and a technician of the ring, which kept knockout power in both fists. He proved his abilities in Louis’s detention in their first meeting two years earlier, asking him his first defeat. He was a powerful pugilist, and Hitler knew it too well.
Public sentiment depends on Louis’s victory; In anticipation, millions crumbled around the crackling radios. This was the gravity of the event in which President Franklin D. Roosevelt personally told Louis: “These are the muscles we need to defeat the Germans.” The situation was ready with tension, and Louis’s arms were ponderous.
“FDR” did not have to worry, Louis understood the task. The march towards the middle ring in an elegant, squatting attitude, using his destructive power, provided crushing blows to Schmeling’s head and body. He knocked him down three times, stopping the competition with a definitely knockout in the first round.
The image of fascism was almost decimated in 124 seconds.
Irate Joseph Goebbels signaled transmitting engineers frantically to pull the plug on the gearbox when Schmeling was lying on the ropes, succumbing to Louis’ blows.
When the word about Louis’s triumph spread quickly, the streets in every state broke out with joy. People sang and danced on the occasion of their hero’s victory. Louis’s victory helped pave the path to racing relations throughout the country. Louis, an African American born in Alabama in the Sharecroping family, literally fought the earth and defeated the concept of Aryan suppreation Adolf Hitler. The victory was sweet.
Then Louis joined the war efforts in 1942, becoming the original inspiration for the exhibitions of “Captain America” by Marvel in the army camps, entertainment of soldiers and supporting unity among different breeds fighting side by side in the bloodiest conflicts.
Schmeling on his part never joined the Nazi party; His relationship with the Führer was intricate. He took his life and reputation to facilitate Jewish children to escape persecution. He was also a hero.
After returning to the ring, Louis reigned as a heavyweight master for almost 12 years – a stunning achievement that remains unparalleled to this day. Only in 1950
Louis’s later life was destroyed by financial problems, his guides put most of their earnings, leaving him only a fraction of his winnings. Louis was also extremely generous, helping his family and friends leave the poverty hole. Unfortunately, many Louis business projects did not succeed.
Perhaps Louis’s most destructive career blow appeared not in the ring, but from IRS, who claimed that he had to owe over USD 500,000 backward taxes. With interest and fines, this number increased to over USD 1,000,000 – $ 13 million equivalent today. When Louis’s mother died, she left him savings of life, a modest $ 500. Tragically IRS immediately took over this sum. While my examination of time tax regulations confirmed that the government was acting under his rights, I did not find a justification for the moral indecent confiscation of a personal gift from her deceased mother to her son.
The issue of debt, slowing down the reflexes and wearing a bald patch, Louis, with an excellent career of 66 wins, 52 knockout and only 2 paralysis, he was last back in the ring for the last time.
This time his enemy was no one other than Future Hall of Famer, an invincible record, a destructive artist with a knockout; “Brocton Blockbuster” Rocky Marciano.
Although Rocky expressed regret because of the fight with the hero whose victory against Schmeling himself celebrated as newborn people. The way he dismantled Louis would think differently. Marciano threw Louis in the 8th round with his right hand, sending him through the ropes and cleaned him from the ring. When Louis helped his feet hopelessly, the feeling of sadness has passed the boxing world. Louis’s boxing career has ended
Louis’s heritage lives in up-to-date media.
It is fascinating to think that just a few dozen years later we can see these historical meetings in a stunning color and high resolution. The technology has been promoted to such an extent that we can now enter the ring as an almost perfect graphic interpretation of Joe Louis in the newly published simulation game “Undisputed”. Could fans of this era ever imagine such a jump? “
Louis and Schmeling made friends for the rest of their lives, Schmeling provided Louis with financial assistance during the most desperate years. This bond was proof that reconciliation is possible even among enemies at the opposite ends of an ideological spectrum.
Other characters of boxing and a wider world of celebrities, namely Jack Dempsey, the Baseball Jackie Robinson icon and the musical legends of Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr, helped Louis financially in recent years
Muhammad Ali’s boxing icon later took care of Louis’s funeral, when he died on April 12, 1981. On the 69th anniversary of the titanic drowning, the boxing world mourned the loss of one of the most titanic characters.
Joe Louis survived the era defined by deep segregation, racial hatred, World War II and a great crisis. However, having only a few boxing gloves, he broke racial barriers, built bridges, united a divided nation and knocked out fascism.
Last updated 12/03/2025
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Boxing
IBF gives Moses Itauma a shot at the world title – fighting Hrgovic no longer makes sense
Published
2 days agoon
July 2, 2026
Moses Itauma was given a direct path to the IBF heavyweight title, leaving Queensberry with one obvious question: Why risk it all against Filip Hrgovic?
In a statement sent to World Boxing News, the International Boxing Federation confirmed that it had received official notice on June 26 of Oleksandr Usyk’s resignation as IBF heavyweight champion.
Under championship rules, the governing body ordered top-ranked Frank Sanchez to negotiate with number three contender Moses Itauma for the vacant title. Both have until July 29 to reach an agreement.
Immediately, Hrgovic became an unnecessary obstacle to Itauma’s path to the world title.
When Itauma agreed to face Hrgovic on August 29 at The O2 in London, it was the perfect step for one of boxing’s brightest adolescent heavyweights.
This equation has completely changed.
IBF pays tribute to Usyk
In a statement provided to WBN, the IBF also confirmed Usyk’s reign before confirming the order.
“Over the course of his distinguished career, Usyk has established himself as one of the sport’s elite competitors, and the IBF is honored to recognize him as one of its world champions.
“His talent and commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact on boxing and will continue to inspire future generations of fighters.
“The IBF wishes Oleksandr Usyk continued success in his future endeavors.”
Only after paying tribute to the former champion did the IBF officially order Sanchez and Itauma to negotiate for the vacant world title.
This is an opportunity that many contenders have been chasing for years. Itauma immediately received this opportunity.
Hrgović’s fight no longer makes sense
When Queensberry announced the fight with Hrgovic, promoter Frank Warren described it as a “litmus test” that Itauma was ready for, while DAZN described it as a key fight with world title implications.
These consequences have now become a reality.
No one doubts Itauma’s willingness to fight anyone. He signed a contract with Hrgovic before the world title unexpectedly landed on the table. This is a completely different situation.
Hrgovic remains one of the most perilous heavyweight contenders despite suffering only one loss to Daniel Dubois. Since then, the Croatian has regained momentum with victories over Joe Joyce, David Adeleye and Dave Allen, which put him back among the top contenders in the division.
If an agreement can be reached, the obvious solution would be to replace Hrgović with Sanchez on August 29 in exchange for the vacant IBF heavyweight title.
As compensation, Hrgovic could get the first shot at the recent champion if Itauma defeats Sanchez.
Whether this proves possible depends on whether all involved are willing to restructure the contracts already in place.
The heavyweight story still beckons
The change would also support Itauma in its historic mission, which has already missed one goal.
Itauma’s dream of breaking Mike Tyson’s record as the youngest heavyweight champion is gone, but another goal remains within reach.
If the 21-year-old wins the vacant IBF title before October, he will overtake Floyd Patterson to become the second-youngest heavyweight champion in history.
If he waits until the match against Hrgovic, this chance will be gone forever.
Queensberry matched Itauma with Hrgovic because it seemed like the quickest path to a chance at the championship.
The IBF has now given them an even faster fight.
Unless Hrgovic’s contract can no longer be salvaged, Queensberry should exhaust all options to hire Sanchez instead.
The IBF unexpectedly gave Itauma a world title shot and a chance to become the second-youngest heavyweight champion in history.
It would be arduous to justify giving up this opportunity in favor of unnecessary risk.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Read the full biography.
Boxing
Lennox Lewis ‘admitted’ he should have had one more defeat to former heavyweight champion on his record: ‘You won’
Published
2 days agoon
July 2, 2026
The former world champion claims Lennox Lewis once admitted he should have retired after three defeats in his professional career.
“The Lion” is considered one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. He retired in 2003 after avenging his only two losses to Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman.
Lewis also had a successful rematch with Evander Holyfield, who somehow managed to do so defended his world titles after a controversial draw in their first meeting.
However, later that year in 1999, Lewis managed to become the undisputed heavyweight champion after winning by unanimous decision, maintaining his lineal status until his retirement following a sixth-round victory over Vitali Klitschko.
However, already in 1996, many believed that the Briton should have suffered another defeat, this time to Ray Mercer, who had briefly held the WBO title in 1991.
The American eventually vacated the belt and was defeated by Larry Holmes the following year before losing a 10-round unanimous decision to Holyfield in 1995.
“Merciless” then faced Lewis in a battle between two Olympic gold medalists, this time suffering a highly controversial defeat by a 10-round majority.
I’m talking to James SlaterMercer insisted that even Lewis doubted he deserved to win their competition.
“Yeah, I won that fight, man. He admitted it to me. He knows, a fighter knows. I won that fight. He told me, ‘I know you’re going to win.’ I told him, ‘Where’s my half of your check!’
“He said OK. Every time I see him, I tell him I’m still waiting! They were preparing him for the fight [Mike] Tyson. That’s what happened and that’s why they gave him the win.
As it happened, Lewis didn’t face Mike Tyson until 2002, when he secured victory after the eighth round.
Instead, after the controversy with Mercer, there was a rematch with McCall, whom he stopped for the WBC title.
Boxing
The Itauma vs Hrgovic fight will take place on August 29 at The O2
Published
1 week agoon
June 23, 2026
As announced by the promoters, Moses Itauma will face Filip Hrgovic at The O2 in London on Saturday, August 29, in a heavyweight fight scheduled to be broadcast live on DAZN on pay-per-view.
Itauma, 21, is undefeated at 14-0, has 12 knockouts and holds the WBO Intercontinental, WBA International and Commonwealth titles. His last fight was in March, when he defeated American Jermaine Franklin in the fifth round at the Co-op Live gala in Manchester. This fight was his longest since 2023; several of his recent wins have come in the opening round, including stoppages of Dillian Whyte and Demsey McKean.
Hrgovic, 34, of Croatia, has a record of 20-1, 15 knockouts and a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics. He previously held first place in the IBF ranking. In May he stopped Dave Allen in the third round at Doncasterand his third victory in a row. The escape came after his defeat to Daniel Dubois in June 2024, the only defeat of his career, which saw him overtake David Adeleye and Joe Joyce.
Hrgovic is the most experienced opponent Itauma has faced as a professional. He was stopped once in 21 fights and faced several world-class heavyweights.
“This has all the hallmarks of a classic heavyweight showdown and we were determined to see it through to the end,” said promoter Frank Warren. “This fight is the litmus test that Moses is ready for and it is the one he wanted. Filip believes it will be too much, too soon for the adolescent star. On August 29 at The O2 we will find out what will be another amazing night for British boxing.”
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