June 1938

In one of the most politically charged bouts in boxing history, Louis knocked out Schmeling in two minutes and four seconds of the first round at Yankee Stadium. With the world on the brink of war and Nazi ideology asserting Aryan supremacy, Louis's victory was celebrated as a triumph for democracy and Black dignity across the globe.

Before the Yankee Stadium fight, FDR gripped Louis's arm and said 'We need muscles like yours to beat Germany.' Louis knocked Schmeling down three times in 2 minutes 4 seconds. Nazi propaganda had promoted Schmeling as Aryan supremacy's proof; Louis's annihilation of him became a symbol of democracy over fascism.