For this thread, please use any criteria you like; whatever it may be, however miniscule the context. It could even be a moment important only to you, without regard to a larger historical importance. Whaddya got? Mine is perhaps a standard choice, Louis-Schmeling II. This was far more than a heavyweight title fight. It had not only political but social ramifications that overshadowed any fight before or since. It was also a trememndous irony that Louis, a black man, was held up to represent the side of freedom when there were many restaurants or hotels that wouldn't serve a man of his color at the time the fight was held. There are so many angles to this thing that it is endlessly fascinating. Add to that the fact that Louis was about as perfect that night as any fighter has ever been, depsite the crushing pressure of an entire free world on his shoulders. The man had an unusual ability to compartmentalize, it seems.
It is Louis-Schmeling II or Johnson-Jeffries. I do love that Harlem was filled - supposedly, but take this with a pinch - with half a million residents doing the Nazi salute and bawling "Heil Louis!" in the aftermath of the former. Malcolm X described it as the most important moment of racial pride for a generation. One of these is the definitive pick, with Ali-Frazier I arguably third.
The first one that leaps to mind for me, s. It was far bigger than Louis vs Schmeling to Americans. Overwrought or not, on the brink of WWII, it was the free world vs the Nazis.
Those are the two fights that came to mind as well. I think Schemling-Louis II was bigger, globally so I'll go with that. Didn't FDR tell Louis that he needed those muscles for democracy. Johnson-Jeffries was incredibly important in its own right though.
Ali vs Foreman If it hadn't happened, it would have never been deemed possible Not to mention George might have reigned from 23 to 45 years old, without a break
Actually. If I were answering in context of impact on society/the world I would say Louis Schmeling 2, follow by Johnson Jefferies But if I were answering in context of being able to determine great boxers, I would say Ali-Foreman
Johnson-Burns. In the greatest country of all time. After the backlash off this bout it was quite plain to see that American were still living in the dark ages. Poorly educated, inferior intellect, socially inept and ill-equipt to accept equality amongst coloured folk. Having to squash the coloured man in order to mask inadequacies is a tyranical attitude. This was never more prevelant than Johnson-Jeffries. Post fight, again the moronic southern types carried on like the uneducated cowards that they are. Lynchings etc..... Now, just realised that the enormous impact Burns- Johnson had on America!!! No, not the world, as the majority of the rest of the world was already prepared to house a coloured H/W champion. Burns- Johnson created a fire in the USA, 20,000 miles from where the fight took place... Jeffries -Johnson added to that fire. Without these two fights, Louis -Schmeling would have never happened.
Interesting post for sure, but I'd argue that Louis' ascent happened in spite of Johnson, not because of it.
Louis was something special..not only avenging his only defeat, but koing Hitler and that evil racism of his at the same time. Louis and Jesse Owens smacked Hitler in the face..God bless 'em!!
Oh, hooray.. Yep, Joe and Jesse certainly kicked Hitlers arse.. woo hoo.. That's why black American's were still treated with contempt back in the 'good old US of A'.. and what about that evil racism that Joe Louis and Owens destroyed with a click of their fingers??? A fight that changes global standings.... i.e. Johnson-Burns, to me is significant. The rest of the world was already accepting of a coloured H/W Champion coming along soon. The rest of the world demonstrated their acceptance of a coloured H/W champ. Yanks had to wait another 30 years before 'pretending' to accept a coloured H/W Champ. DO NOT TELL ME that Joe Louis was accepted with every freedom and right that the average 7 fingered white Alabamian was afforded. Away from the press, Joe Louis was still a '******' in Yanks eyes. DONT TELL ME that Joe Louis, for the 'free world' was fighting the Nazi's- he was fighting Max Schmeling!!! Max Schmeling was about as NAZI as what Joe louis was WHITE!!! Idiots in press, promotions and politics can deem Louis vs Schmeling II as what ever they choose.. Nazi vs Whatever... but whatever people want to believe, they are too blind to see truth. Suggesting Louis and Owens destroyed racism is pathetic. I guess Lena Horne also destroyed racism??