NO. 4 JOE LOUIS
Record: 66-3 (52 KOs)
Years active: 1934-51
Titles won: World heavyweight
Among his victims: Primo Carnera, Max Baer, Paulino Uzcudun, Jack Sharkey, Jim Braddock, Tommy Farr, Max Schmeling, Billy Conn, Jersey Joe Walcott, Ezzard Charles
Background: Louis wasn’t just a boxing hero; he was an American hero. “The Brown Bomber” is arguably the greatest heavyweight who ever lived, having made a record 25 successful defenses of his title over almost 12 remarkable years. No heavyweight was as dominating for so long. He didn’t have quick feet but he was adept at positioning himself to land punches. And when he did … well, it was time to pray for his opponents. The Ring Magazine has ranked Louis as the hardest puncher of all time. Louis was stopped by veteran Max Schmeling early in his career and then went undefeated for 14-plus years, losing only to Hall of Famers Ezzard Charles and Rocky Marciano when he was in decline. He was in arguably the most-important fight ever. His rematch with Schmeling took place in 1938, during the rise of Nazi Germany. Louis, the champion by then, represented good, Schmeling evil. And good won out. Louis needed only 2 minutes, 4 seconds to avenge his loss and win the hearts of millions worldwide. Joe Louis will always be synonymous with greatness.