Joe Louis - Beaumont, TX
Posted by: 
WalksfarTX
N 30° 04.925 W 094° 05.699
15R E 394474 N 3328386
Beginning in 1937, Joe began his 12-year reign as boxing’s heavyweight champion of the world.
Waymark Code: WMZYH9
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 01/23/2019
Views: 1
CMG Worldwide"Joe Louis Barrow was born on May 13, 1914. His father, “Mun Barrow,” was a cotton picker from Alabama and his family fought with poverty for most of his childhood. His family moved to Detroit in 1924, at which point Joe first became involved in boxing.
10 years after his arrival in Detroit, Louis won the Golden Gloves as a light heavyweight. Following this win, Louis turned professional and won twelve contests within the first year. The first few years of Louis’ pro career involved a steady ascension up the pyramid of the Heavyweight class.
In 1937, Louis faced world heavyweight champion James J. Braddock in Chicago. In an eight round match, Louis captured the heavyweight title of the world by knocking Braddock out.
Louis retired in 1949, still the undefeated heavyweight champ. Succumbing to financial pressures and government debts, Louis was forced back into the ring. In 1950, he attempted to recapture his title in a bout against Ezzard Charles. However, in a points decision, Louis was handed a loss. Not ready to accept defeat, he again tried his hand in 1951 against Rocky Marciano. During this unsuccessful return to the ring, Marciano knocked Louis through the ropes in the 8th round. This was Joe Louis’ final time in the ring.
Smithsonian Art Inventory
"This is a portrait bust of Joe Louis. The fighter is portrayed shirtless. The bronze bust sits on a granite base. The sculpture was donated by Ben Rogers, past president of the Joe Louis Foundation."
The bust is approximately half of life size.