Category: Detroit City of Champions

Often lost in the shuffle in the overall story of Joe Louis is the “final boss” of 1935: Max Baer

With his decisive victory over Primo Carnera Joe Louis would rise above the level of “up-and-comer” to the heights of international superstar. In today’s episode, Jamie and Charles explore what this meant to Detroit, the country, the world, Joe himself and how it all fit into the unfolding events of the City of Champions season.…

Episode 45: Joe Louis. Part 8: The Greatest Individual Season in American Sport history: “The Hype Train” Having signed a contract with Mike Jacobs, Joe Louis and his retinue embarked on the plan which would see him rise to a level of superstardom unknown to any previous American of color. In today’s episode, Jamie and…

Episode 44: Joe Louis. Part 7: The Greatest Individual Season in American Sport history: “The Milk Fund for Babies” At the dawn of 1935 Joe Louis found himself in the same position as many other, previous African American boxers: Talented, up-and-coming and among the best in the world. Unlike his predecessors, however, the opportunity for…

Episode 43: Joe Louis. Part 6: The Greatest Individual Season in American Sport history: “1934” After a month of intense training Joe Louis embarked upon his professional career with his first fight on the 4th of July, 1934. In today’s show Jamie and Charles explore Joe’s first year as a pro and how it set…

Episode 42: Joe Louis. Part 5: The Greatest Individual Season in American Sport history: “Chappie” After rolling through the amateur ranks Joe Louis and his manager, John Roxborough set their sights on the world of professional boxing. However, to do so, they needed three things: Connections, money and a proper trainer. In today’s episode Jamie…

Episode 41: Joe Louis. Part 4: The Greatest Individual Season in American Sport history: “Golden Gloves” At the same moment as the Tigers were beginning their ascension in 1934, Joe Louis was fighting through the ranks of amateur boxing. In today’s episode Jamie and Charles explore the amateur boxing world of 1934 and how the…

Episode 40: Joe Louis. Part 3: The Greatest Individual Season in American Sport history: “The Brewster” The Brewster Recreation Center is often relegated to a mere footnote in the story of Joe Louis. In today’s episode Jamie and Charles dive deeper into this iconic building‘s influence on Louis as well as the many people who…

Episode 39: Joe Louis. Part 2: The Greatest Individual Season in American Sport History: “Black Bottom” The 1920’s – 30’s bore witness to a seismic population shift as millions of African Americans moved from south to north in what has become known as the “Great Migration.” In today’s episode Jamie and Charles will explore one…