Loading color scheme

The US Athletic Hall of Fame - Athletes 2023

Joe Louis

  • Contest: The US Athletic Hall of Fame - Athletes 2023
  • Embed from Getty Images
  • Sport(s): Boxing
  • Statistics: Boxing Record: 66-3, 52 Wins by KO

    1-Time World Heavyweight Champion

    1-Time The Ring Heavyweight Champion

    Member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame
  • "He can run, but he can't hide."



    Joe Louis said this about Billy Conn, one of the many who challenged him for the heavyweight title and failed.



    At that time, Louis had been the champion since 1937, defeating James J. Braddock for the belt. Along the way, Louis became an American hero, one of the first African-Americans to do so as he turned back challenger after challenger, including Max Schmeling, who resided in Nazi Germany and handed Louis his first loss in 1936.



    Louis’ defeat of Schmeling had international ramifications, and by defeating the face of German athletics, it was a prognostication of the politics and conflict to come. He held his championship until he retired in 1949, and while he made a comeback and failed to regain his title, his legacy was never tarnished.



    One of the best quotes in sports journalism was by famed New York writer Jimmy Cannon, who responded to another reporter's characterization of Louis as "a credit to his race." Cannon responded with the most precise lines in sports, "Yes, Joe Louis is a credit to his race – the human race."



    We are proud to nominate Joe Louis for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.
Previous Next
Back to List