Trivia

Because he had been down on his luck in his last years and had died in poverty, his funeral was paid for by his most famous rival (and later friend), German boxer Max Schmeling.

He fought several championship bouts where he donated his share of the purse (winnings) to both Army and Naval relief services. However, the Internal Revenue Service didn't credit him with a charitable contribution. This led to tax problems for years This injustice was later rectified by an Act of Congress; forgiving him all outstanding liabilities.

World Heavyweight boxing champion, 1937-49. Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, 1990.

His reign as heavyweight champion (12 years) is a boxing record that stands in all weight divisions. He fought so many bad opponents that they were dubbed the "Bum of the Month" tour.

Americans tend to pronounce his second name as "Lewis", whereas Europeans tend to pronounce it "Loo-e." Curiously enough, Louis Armstrong is universally referred to as "Loo-e" Armstrong even though, in one of the lines in the lyrics to his classic, "Hello Dolly," one can clearly hear Armstrong sing, "Hello Dolly, this is 'Lewis', Dolly...".

Has a daughter, Jacquelin (b. 1943), with Marva Trotter Louis.

Portrayed by Bernie Casey in Ring of Passion (1978) and Coley Wallace in The Joe Louis Story (1953) and El toro salvaje (1980).

Buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Is played by Leonard Roberts, who gained nearly 20 lbs. for the role, in Joe and Max (2002).

Took the ring name of Joe Louis when his full birth name of Joe Louis Barrow wouldn't fit in the space allotted on the application for a license as prizefighter .

Was allowed to continue his boxing while serving in the Army. He was able to continue defending his World Heavyweight Championship during those years; he maintained to hold onto the Championship Belt from 1937-49.

Was a professional wrestler and referee.

Pictured on a 29¢ US commemorative postage stamp in the Sports series, issued 22 June 1993.

The Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, MI, is named after him.

Biography in "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives," Volume One, 1981-1985, pages 512-515, New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1998.

One of his grandmothers was a Native American.

He was a student of mail-order physical culture trainer Charles Atlas and a graduate of his course.

Served in the US Army in World War II, attaining the rank of Sergeant in a Special Services unit.

Inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame, 1980.

Born at 8:00 a.m. CST.