LOUIS, JOE-MAX SCHMELING II ON SITE POSTER (1938)

HISTORY: Joe Louis fought Max Schmeling for the second time on June 22, 1938 at Yankee Stadium. Louis had been stopped by Schmeling in their first fight in 1936 marking the first time Louis had felt the sting of defeat. In this celebrated second fight Louis knocked Schmeling out in the first round to retain the World Heavyweight Title. This was one of the most historic fights in boxing history, fought against the backdrop of the rise of Hitler and Nazi Germany and the loaming second World War. Offered here is an extremely rare original, on site poster to the event. The only other known poster in this size is in the Smithsonian.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This poster is paper measuring 40" x 80" and picturing both fighters. It has been applied to a linen backing. The color is bold and the images of the fighters are sharp. slight fraying at top border with no loss of paper. The originals folds and separations are still evident. Exceedingly rare. Arguably the most important boxing event of the 20th century.