Joe Louis defeats James Braddock to become world heavyweight champion, a title he would hold for nearly 12 years.
At a Glance
- Date
- 22 June 1937
- Location
- Chicago, Illinois
- Key people
- Joe Louis
- Category
- Sports
- Source
- Boxing records (1937) · Britannica
What It Meant Then
His victory made him a hero to Black Americans during the Depression.
What It Means Now
Louis's 1938 rematch with Max Schmeling became a symbol of the fight against fascism.
Cite this page
- MLA
- “Joe Louis Wins the Heavyweight Title.” Black-History.com, 30 Sept. 2026, https://black-history.com/on-this-day/joe-louis-wins-the-heavyweight-title/.
- APA
- Black-History.com Editors. (2026, September 30). Joe Louis Wins the Heavyweight Title. Black-History.com. https://black-history.com/on-this-day/joe-louis-wins-the-heavyweight-title/
- Chicago
- Black-History.com Editors. “Joe Louis Wins the Heavyweight Title.” Black-History.com. September 30, 2026. https://black-history.com/on-this-day/joe-louis-wins-the-heavyweight-title/.
Editorial Note
By the Black-History.com editors. Last reviewed 30 September 2026. To suggest a primary source or a correction, write to editors@black-history.com or use our corrections form.