Joe Louis

Young Peter Jackson II was the ring name of Peter Martin, a Los Angeles boxer whose career included California championships in two weight classes and…...

A second chance in the ring Braddock had boxed professionally since the 1920s, first making his reputation as a light heavyweight. By 1934, he was considered a faded contender. A last-minute opportunity against heavyweight John “Corn” Griffin on June 14 changed that. Braddock stopped Griffin in the third round,...

From the Welsh circuit to champion Born in Clydach Vale in 1913, Farr began fighting professionally in 1926. He first made a name as a light heavyweight, winning the Welsh title in 1933, then moved up to heavyweight. A victory over Tommy Loughran in January 1936 showed that Farr...

A clever boxer without a title chance Born in Kentucky in 1883, Blackburn found boxing as a teenager and developed into a quick, clever lightweight. He was willing to face larger men, and his defensive craft helped him earn respect across a long professional career. But for all his...

From Sequals to the American ring Carnera was born in Sequals, in northeastern Italy, in 1906. Before boxing professionally, he worked as a circus strongman in France. He began his pro career in 1928 and soon became a major draw in the United States. His height, reach and heavy...

A European champion finds his footing Born in Klein Luckow, Germany, on September 28, 1905, Schmeling turned professional in 1924. He developed his craft in Germany and won the European light-heavyweight championship in 1927 before moving up. His rise was built on patience and a hard, accurate right hand...

Arnold Cream becomes Jersey Joe Born Arnold Raymond Cream in Merchantville, New Jersey, on January 31, 1914, he started boxing as a teenager and took the name Jersey Joe Walcott in honor of an earlier welterweight champion from Barbados. His father died when he was young, and Walcott left...

A champion built in Detroit Joseph Louis Barrow was born in rural Alabama in 1914. His family moved to Detroit during the Great Migration, and Louis found boxing at a neighborhood recreation center. He turned professional in 1934, managed by John Roxborough and Julian Black and trained by Jack...