JOE LOUIS-One of ten Greatest Boxers of All Time

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by gascash1, Feb 26, 2013.


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  1. gascash1

    gascash1 New Member Full Member

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    JOE LOUIS


    Record:

    Won 66 Lost 3, 52 KO (66-3)

    Boxing Era: 1934-1951

    Known as “The Brown Bomber”, Joe Louis was an American Icon. He was clearly a shining star head and shoulders above the rest in his time. He couldn’t lose. Joe Louis only had 1 legitimate loss against Germany’s Max Schmeling which he later avenged in a sensational and historical 1st round KO. Joe Louis single handedly dismantled the Nazi image of invincibility and sent a direct and powerful check mate to Hitler. He gave his country a more than sensational day to remember.

    Joe Louis became an American hero and symbol of national pride, and African-American pride. During this time of world war and racial inequality in America, Joe Louis was larger than boxing. Many of Joe Louis’ fights had unparalleled international, political, and social significance. All across the nation, droves of people were glued to their radios, and would explode into the streets upon many of his victories.

    Because of the times, that type of fervor for boxing or for one athlete will most likely never be seen again. He was the first African-American boxer to be an American hero for whites, blacks and all Americans.

    The rest of his only 3 losses came after his fall from grace. Once a proud symbol of patriotism, he was railroaded with taxes and severely in debt. This happened to him even despite donating his celebrity, money, morale, free exhibition matches and enlistment to the United States military in earlier years. Consequently, he was forced to keep fighting passed his retirement. With difficulty he still managed to win because of who he was, but suffered a pair of losses, including an embarrassing 8th round knock out right through the ropes by a fresh, up and coming Rocky Marciano. Regardless, the nation will never stop and give another boxer as much acclamation as Joe Lewis in 1938.
     
    gascash1, Feb 26, 2013
    gascash1, Feb 26, 2013
    #1
  2. ETM

    ETM I thought I did enough to win. Full Member

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    The most perfect puncher Ive ever seen live or on film. One of the things I dont think Joe Louis got enough credit for was his boxing IQ. His ability to think on his feet.

    Charley Goldman once said that Louis was a nightmare to face because his oppnent could make a good move or feint on him in the 2nd round and it might work. If the guy tried the same move in the 7th round Louis would stretch him.

    Joe Louis was a great boxer first and foremost not just a great slugger.
     
    ETM, Feb 26, 2013
    ETM, Feb 26, 2013
    #2
  3. thistle1

    thistle1 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Arguably THE Greatest Heavyweight in Boxing History!

    and for me he IS.
     
    thistle1, Feb 26, 2013
    thistle1, Feb 26, 2013
    #3
  4. Boxed Ears

    Boxed Ears this my daddy's account (RIP daddy) Full Member

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    For a new guy to be doing something controversial like starting out with a pro-Louis thread in the Classic is...it's pretty bold, if I'm honest. I'm not sure I like this. You should start out with something like a Vitali VS Louis thread.
     
    Boxed Ears, Feb 26, 2013
    Boxed Ears, Feb 26, 2013
    #4
  5. PowerPuncher

    PowerPuncher Loyal Member Full Member

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    I think he gets overrated given the flaws in his defense and footwork and somewhat unremarkable opposition (in an all time sense)
     
    PowerPuncher, Feb 26, 2013
    PowerPuncher, Feb 26, 2013
    #5
  6. turbotime

    turbotime Hall Of Famer Full Member

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    His footwork was awesome.
     
    turbotime, Feb 26, 2013
    turbotime, Feb 26, 2013
    #6
  7. thistle1

    thistle1 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    there was nothing at all wrong with Louis opposition. This was the single greatest period in Boxing history and the competition overall weights was fierce, some divisions more so than others obviously. But overall a great time in boxing.

    Louis comp gets the short end because it is immediately compared to that great 70's era for HW's and because of "the Bum of the month" club.

    that was MEDIA Hype and Patter, not literal fact!

    Joe Louis' opposition was filled with both great and excellent fighters, No less than most, and greater than many, many other fighters!
     
    thistle1, Feb 26, 2013
    thistle1, Feb 26, 2013
    #7
  8. salsanchezfan

    salsanchezfan Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Shoulda paid them taxes.
     
    salsanchezfan, Feb 26, 2013
    salsanchezfan, Feb 26, 2013
    #8
  9. Bummy Davis

    Bummy Davis Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Louis is my number 1 ATG at heavyweight
     
    Bummy Davis, Feb 26, 2013
    Bummy Davis, Feb 26, 2013
    #9
  10. rusak

    rusak Well-Known Member Full Member

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    lulz Almost as awesome as his record against southpaws.
     
    rusak, Feb 26, 2013
    rusak, Feb 26, 2013
    #10
  11. janitor

    janitor VIP Member Full Member

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    This content is protected

    This content is protected

    This content is protected

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    This content is protected
     
    janitor, Feb 26, 2013
    janitor, Feb 26, 2013
    #11
  12. KOTF

    KOTF Bingooo Full Member

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    He'd be the greatest if he paid his taxes
     
    KOTF, Feb 26, 2013
    KOTF, Feb 26, 2013
    #12
  13. janitor

    janitor VIP Member Full Member

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    Lets put it this way.

    You didn't have great fighters contesting the top slot in the heavyweight division like you did in the 70s, but there was very little weakness in the rankings.

    It was a tough era to compete in.
     
    janitor, Feb 26, 2013
    janitor, Feb 26, 2013
    #13
  14. Surf-Bat

    Surf-Bat Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Not in my top 10 all-time P4P, but definitely one of the greatest fighters ever. Pure boxing skill? I could probably name at least 15 who were more skilled. But Joe was technically well-schooled by the brilliant Jack Blackburn.
     
    Surf-Bat, Feb 26, 2013
    Surf-Bat, Feb 26, 2013
    #14
  15. ETM

    ETM I thought I did enough to win. Full Member

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    Joe Louis was such a great champion he made the Heavyweight Title bigger because he had it. He fought often and he fought everyone during his era.

    Anyone that holds the crown for 12 years is gonna have some "Bums" mixed in there. There were also many good fighters.
     
    ETM, Feb 26, 2013
    ETM, Feb 26, 2013
    #15
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