Boxing's most beloved personalities
He [Billy Conn] can run, but he can't hide
--Joe Louis
This is the last guy on earth I want to fight
--Rocky Marciano
Yes, Joe Louis is a credit to his race—the human race
--Jimmy Cannon
... he did so much to bolster the spirit of the American people during one of the most crucial times in American history and which have endured throughout the years as a symbol of strength for the nation.
--U.S. Congress in awarding Joe posthumously the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award given to civilians by the U.S. legislative branch.
Joe Louis was more than a sports legend -- his career was an indictment of racial bigotry and a source of pride and inspiration to millions of white and black people around the world
--President Ronald Regan
I'll start it with Joe Louis whose most remarkable record may have been that that he knocked out 23 opponents in 27 title fights, including 5 world champions.
My God, when Joe beat Max Schmeling in 1938, people flooded the street and cheered. When he lost to Marciano in 1951, they openly wept. When fans saw what the IRS did to him, the were shocked. Joe was the real McCoy. He transcended boxing and even the sporting world. I was born in 1937 and remember Joe's astounding impact in the 1940's..
Regarding the IRS issues (which triggered the need for him too fight Rocky Mariano), people did not push back in those days like they began to do in the 60's. You pretty much did as you were told. The guys coming back from WW 2 and Korea were different but for the most part, they just wanted to be left alone and to live in peace. Everyone sensed Joe was getting a bad deal, but the propaganda machine (aka the IRS and the Government) made it appear otherwise. It wasn't until his son exposed what had happened that the true tragedy emerged.
In 1993, he became the first boxer to be honored on a postage stamp issued by the U.S. Postal Service. On February 27, 2010, an 8-foot bronze statue of Louis was unveiled in his Alabama hometown. The statue sits on a base of red granite outside the Chambers County Courthouse. An indoor sports venue is named after him in Detroit, the "Joe Louis Arena." The list goes on and on.
Yeah, Joe was my most beloved fighter. Who was yours?
“If you want loyalty, buy a dog.” Ricky Hatton
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Originally Posted by El Kabong
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