Louis-Schmeling Emerges from the Myths of History on Its 85th Anniversary
Schmeling, the German champion, fought Hitler’s overtures to join the Nazi Party and even hid two Jewish brothers in his apartment on Kristallnacht.
The 1938 match between a Black boxer, Joe Louis — an American — and a German, Max Schmeling, marks its 85th anniversary today, but mythologizing it into a cartoon triumph over Jim Crow and Nazis misses the more compelling truth of the most significant sporting event of the 20th century.
Schmeling was a former World Champion and the only man to have handed Louis a loss up to that point in his professional career: A knockout at Yankee Stadium in 1936. Although Louis racked up more victories afterwards, the loss burned.
A login link has been sent to
Enter your email to read this article.
Get 2 free articles when you subscribe.
or
Have an account? This is also a sign-in form.
By continuing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
