Remembering Joe Louis

The great Joe Louis was born on this day in 1914 and no serious fight fan needs to be reminded as to why he will always be a legend of pugilism. He was the most dominant heavyweight champion ever, the division’s all-time deadliest puncher and finisher, the undisputed king of the big men for almost twelve years. One of the great legends of boxing, Louis became a beloved icon of America and even now, almost four decades after his death, his legacy remains unassailable. To pay tribute to the anniversary of his birth we feature again Lee Wylie’s excellent video on his ring technique, “Mechanical Wonder,” plus a portrait by artist Damien Burton.

Louis with trainer and fellow legend Jack Blackburn.

“There’s never been a better boxer than Joe Louis.”        — George Foreman

“Louis is the hardest puncher that I’ve ever seen.”        — Max Schmeling

“Joe’s punches could paralyze you … Anywhere he hit you, you’d feel it. [J]ust blocking those shots was like being in an automobile accident.”         — Eddie Futch

“I define fear as standing across the ring from Joe Louis and knowing he wants to go home early.”         — Max Baer

Drawing by Damien Burton.

“Too good to be true, and absolutely true … the most beautiful fighting machine I have ever seen.”        — Ernest Hemingway 

“Joe Louis, to me, was the finest human being God put on this earth in every way.”        — Angelo Dundee

“I used to tease him by reminding him that I was the greatest of all time. But Louis was the greatest heavyweight fighter ever.”             — Muhammad Ali

“Joe Louis is a credit to his race — the human race.”             — Jimmy Cannon