This coming Sunday, June 22 will mark the anniversary of one of the biggest events to ever take place in boxing. This was the first boxing bout that transcended the sport into the general culture.
The rematch between Joe Louis and Max Schmeling on June 22, 1938 at Yankee Stadium in New York had seemingly the entire hopes of the United States set squarely on the "Brown Bomber's" shoulders. Louis was the world champion -- having beaten James J. Braddock exactly one year earlier -- June 22, 1937 -- for the title in Chicago. However, Louis told anyone who would listen that he didn't think he was the real champion unless he avenged his lone loss to Schmeling, which took place at Yankee Stadium on June 19, 1936.
Louis, of course, would destroy Schmeling in the rematch as famed sports announcer Clem McCarthy would say, "The fight is over! On a technical knockout! Max Schmeling is beaten in ONE ROUND!"
Now, 76 years later, there will be a ceremony honoring Joe Louis near his gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. The event not only honors the anniversary of this particular bout, it also honors Joe Louis the American hero and sports icon.
The takes place on Sunday, June 22 at 1 PM and it is free and open to the public. Among the guests will be Claude Roxborough, Sr., a Washington, DC attorney and a descendant of one of Joe Louis's managers, John Roxborough. Cassandra White of Babie Girl Productions is organizing the event and yours truly has the honor of serving as the master of ceremonies.
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