The Brown Bomber - American Hero

Joe Louis holds distinction for his fame in and out of the boxing ring.

"The Brown Bomber" held the heavyweight title longer than any other fighter (1937-1949) and also defended the title the most times (25).

Louis also transcended racial attitudes of the time by becoming one of the first African American athletes (the other being Jesse Owens) to gain widespread popularity among black and white Americans. Like Owens, Louis did so by defeating a foe that represented a larger threat to the nation. Click on the link to see and hear a terrific video clip on the famous Joe Louis-Max Schmeling battles.