JOE LOUIS VS. JERSEY JOE WALCOTT II
Date / Location: June 25, 1948 / New York City
Result of first fight: Louis SD 15
Result of rematch: Louis KO 11
Background: Louis defeated Walcott by a split decision to retain his title in their first fight, in December 1947, but he knew he was lucky to have had his hand raised. Most observers thought Walcott did enough to win. Louis didn’t leave his fate in the judges’ hands in the rematch. Walcott, a slick, mobile boxer, gave the more stationary Louis trouble again by moving in and out and winning rounds. He put Louis down in Round 3. However, in Round 11, Louis finally caught up with Walcott. He hurt the challenger with a right and then – recapturing the ferocity of his youth – unleased a breathtaking series of damaging punches that sent Walcott to the canvas and rendered him unable to continue. It was the last great performance in a great career.