German · Klein-Rogahn, Germany · Born 28 September 1905German heavyweight boxer who became world champion and had historic fights with Joe Louis, symbolizing international tensions of the 1930s.
Max Schmeling was a German heavyweight champion whose career became entangled with the politics of Nazi Germany and race relations in America. Most famous for his two fights with Joe Louis — shocking the world by knocking out Louis in 1936 before losing a rematch in 1938 — Schmeling was a technically gifted boxer who used a devastating right hand counter to punish opponents. He later became a respected figure for his humanitarian actions during World War II.
Two fights with Joe Louis, first European heavyweight champion
How They Played
Technical counterpuncher, right hand specialist
Lasting Impact
Bridged boxing eras, survived Nazi regime complexities
Career Honours
- World Heavyweight Champion (NBA/NYSAC) 1930–1932
- World Heavyweight Champion (Ring Magazine) 1930–1932
- European Heavyweight Champion 1939
- Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year 1930
- Defeated Jack Sharkey by disqualification to win World Heavyweight Title 1930
- Defended World Heavyweight Title with victory over Young Stribling 1931
- Lost World Heavyweight Title rematch decision to Jack Sharkey 1932
- Knocked out Max Baer 1933
- Knocked out Joe Louis in first fight 1936
- German Sportsman of the Year 1936
German Athletes