LOUIS, JOE ORIGINAL PHOTO (HARLEM BAR)

Joseph Louis Barrow (May 13, 1914 – April 12, 1981), known professionally as Joe Louis, was an American professional boxer who competed from 1934 to 1951. He reigned as the world heavyweight champion from 1937 to 1949, and is considered to be one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. Nicknamed the Brown Bomber, Louis' championship reign lasted 140 consecutive months, during which he participated in 26 championship fights. The 27th fight, against Ezzard Charles in 1950, was a challenge for Charles' heavyweight title and so is not included in Louis' reign. He was victorious in 25 consecutive title defenses. In 2005, Louis was ranked as the best heavyweight of all time by the International Boxing Research Organization, and was ranked number one on The Ring magazine's list of the "100 greatest punchers of all time". Louis had the longest single reign as champion of any heavyweight boxer in history. During his career he notched victories over Primo Carnera, Max Baer, Jack Sharkey, Max Schmeling, Jimmy Braddock, Jersey Joe Walcott, Billy Conn, John Henry Lewis, Buddy Baer, Abe Simon among others. Louis' cultural impact was felt well outside the ring. He is widely regarded as the first person of African-American descent to achieve the status of a nationwide hero within the United States, and was also a focal point of anti-Nazi sentiment leading up to and during World War II. He was instrumental in integrating the game of golf, breaking the sport's color barrier in America by appearing under a sponsor's exemption in a PGA event in 1952. Offered here is an original, first generation photo of Joe Louis enjoying himself in a Harlem bar as the bartender points him out to other customers. Circa 1940's.
This is an original, first generation photograph. Bold, clear image. Clean front and back. Creased in corners. Minor edge and surface wear. No tears. 8" x 10."