NO. 3 JOE LOUIS
Years active: 1934-51
Record: 66-3
KOs: 52
KO percentage (of wins): 79
KOs inside 3 rounds: 26
Notable KO victims: Max Baer, Jim Braddock, Primo Carnera, Billy Conn (twice), Max Schmeling, Jack Sharkey, Jersey Joe Walcott (twice)
Background: The Ring Magazine as recently as 2003 ranked the biggest punchers pound-for-pound in the history of the sport. No. 1? Joe Louis. The great champion’s punches were unusually fast, technically sound and naturally heavy. In other words, they were lethal. Of his record 25 successful title defenses, 21 ended inside the distance. Wrote former Ring Editor Nigel Collins for ESPN.com: “Although he was neither overly quick nor overly slow on his feet, the ‘Brown Bomber’ fired his right hand with devastating speed. Those who claimed the punch traveled only six inches might have been exaggerating a tad, but there’s no doubt Joe’s payoff punch was short, quick and deadly.” Particularly quick, skillful boxers could give Louis some trouble but, as Louis told rival Billy Conn, “you can run but you can’t hide.” Conn became too brave in his first fight with Louis and ended up like the majority of Louis’ opponents: on the canvas and unable to continue. Louis’ most devastating – and historic – knockout came in 1938, when as a representative of the U.S. he annihilated Nazi symbol Max Schmeling in 124 seconds. New York Times correspondent John Kieran described the ending this way: “A ripping left and a smashing right. The right was the crusher. Schmeling went down. He was up again and then, under another fusillade, down again. Once more, and barely able to stand, and then down for the third and final time.” Louis was as destructive as anyone in boxing history.
More quotes: Roy Williams, sparring partner: “That guy’s got the coldest eyes I’ve ever looked at. He just keeps shufflin’ in with both hands cocked. You throw a punch at him and he just moves enough to make you miss. And then you get ruined. I couldn’t duck ’em because I couldn’t see ’em. And when they land, God, how they numb you.” … Ton Galento (TKO 4): “It’s like being hit with a five-pound rock studded with razor blades.” … Sam Langford: “Joe Louis is the greatest heavyweight champion that ever lived. He’s fought anyone the promoters have asked him to fight and all he asks is a referee that can count to 10.”