Joe Louis defeats Tony Musto to open year of title defenses

Joe Louis knocked out Tony Musto on April 8, 1941, beginning what sportswriters dubbed the 'Bum of the Month' tour — a series of heavyweight title defenses across 1941 in which Louis fought seven challengers including Billy Conn (June 18, 1941), whom he stopped in the 13th round when Conn was ahead on points. Louis's consistent dominance made him the most admired Black athlete in America.