June 1937
Events
- June 22, 1937Joe Louis Defeats James Braddock to Become World Heavyweight Champion
Joe Louis knocked out James Braddock in the eighth round in Chicago to claim the world heavyweight championship, becoming only the second Black heavyweight champion in history after Jack Johnson. Black communities across America erupted in celebration, with radio broadcasts of the fight drawing the largest audiences in the history of that medium.
- June 22, 1937Joe Louis becomes heavyweight champion
Louis's reign makes him a global symbol of Black achievement.