Joe Louis - This is Your Life (1961 NBC Documentary)

Rare episode of the "This is your Life" series about Joe Louis. Not perfect quality, but maybe I will get a better quality version some time in the future....thanks to sweetboxing.com________________________________________________________________________________________Tags: Joe Louis max schmeling sugar ray robinson this is your life series episode muhammad ali howard cosell cossell boxing documentary larry holmes joe frazier louis mike tyson ken norton george foreman freddie roach Joseph Campanella ralph edwards nbc frazier mike tyson ali muhammed muhamad jack dempsey wladimir klitschko manny pacquiao pacman floyd mayweather marquez chavez david haye mormeck

[@corbett1970]

Max Schmeling, was truly a class act. He and Joe had a wonderful friendship that lasted the rest of their lives.

[@canalesworks1247]

Someone needs to go fix that on Wikipedia. Schmeling became very wealthy after the war and helped Louis out financially for many years. He also made very clear in their first meeting after WWII that he did not share the Nazi ideology in any way and in fact was never a member of the Nazi party. (That fact by the way has been backed up by many sources) Louis understood that fact and accepted Schmeling as a friend from that point forward. Upon his passing Schmeling paid for Louis' funeral. Schmeling himself lived to the ripe old age of 99. A great man stuck in a horrible situation during the Nazi regime. There is no question that Louis was the better boxer. In Schmeling however he found that one bit of surprise adversity that made him even greater.

[@7373rosie]

He paid for Joe’s funeral

[@thore0007]

@@canalesworks1247 Vielen Dank, für deine lieben, wahren Worte, Max Schmeling war ein Ehrenmann und Humanitarian, ein Menschernfreund, genau wie sein Freund Joe Louis es war. Er wird sehr verehrt hier in Deutschland. Ich traf ihn als kleiner Bub von 4 Jahren in Hollenstedt, mit seiner Frau anny Ondra, nur 15km von meiner Heimatstadt entfernt!

[@neftaliriverajr503]

Amen 🙏 I’ve just seen not long ago an HBO Actual Movie Film Titled JOE & MAX-based on their two Iconic boxing fights and how-like you stated-respected each other and became great friends till the end 🎉 🥊 🥊

[@preo2]

Joe Louis and Ray Robinson. It doesn't get any better if you love boxing. Man I want to cry.

[@andyelliott8027]

That's true, Sugar Ray is the only guy ever considered as a challenger to Ali as the greatest. Joe is close behind them on that list.

[@joshuatree5620]

@@andyelliott8027 Joe Frazier too,there would be no Ali without Frazier.

[@andyelliott8027]

@@joshuatree5620 Yes, Frazier was everything a fighter should be.

[@therumbleinthejunglee]

@@andyelliott8027 you lost your damm mind Louis is the goat

[@andyelliott8027]

@@therumbleinthejunglee Look at any poll amongst boxing magazines anywhere. It's always Ali or Sugar Ray. Joe often comes third but it's a two-horse race for GOAT.

[@morgs456]

Joe wasn't just the greatest heavyweight champ of all time, he's one of the greatest human beings of all time

[@throwball2248]

You got that right. A credit to all Americans

[@aarondigby5054]

@@throwball2248 the way the IRS treated Joe after he donated all his earnings to military relief charities during the war. Stripped him of everything he had.

[@Salvatore2222]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😊

[@dannapier2560]

Joe took care of his family. Put them through school and put them in business. What a true champion!

[@shivfloyd]

man i love this human Joe Louis so much, they don't make it like him anymore :(

[@IndianJS]

He was so humble

[@vickylanding2830]

My prayers that he would have respect his wife committing adultery is a sin I hope he repent of your sins and God for gave him so that his soul can you rest in heaven

[@jimmyd10100]

He that humbles himself will be exalted. Joe Louis was so humble and he as you saw him with Max Schemling , Louis responded about their second fight ," I Got Lucky". what a Man. And as Ali is considered The Greatest, you just never know--" You can run, but you Can't Hide". Louis had punching power. those were some Fighters back then. Schemling lived to 99 years old. Joe Louis " A Credit to is Race" " The Human Race".

[@jasonford6317]

jimmyd10100 They should have awarded him Slave Reparations. Instead, he owed a crooked government back taxes when he died.

[@TheNewHugeCountryBoys]

Louis was the gayest

[@TheNewHugeCountryBoys]

@@jasonford6317 your gay

[@morgs456]

Schmelling totally just shoulder barged that guy out the way LMAO " get out of ze way zilly man, I am here to zee joe ! Nein not you!" Lol

[@depaola63]

You could see the love and respect Max and Joe had for each other!

[@derekrobbins6735]

Yeah and after seeing how the US government treated Joe, Max helped Joe financially. Sad story really

[@jesusapolicarpio-delacruz3851]

THAT WAS THE ERA WHEN PUGS RESPECTED ONE ANOTHER, THE REAL MEANING OF SPRTSMANSHIP...NOT TODAY"S SHOWBOATING!!!

[@jesusapolicarpio-delacruz3851]

IF MY FALTERING MEMORY SERVES ME RIGHT, I UNDERSTAND ULTIMATELY, THE U.S. CONGRESS GRANTED "THE BROWN BOMBER" PARDON PN HIS ASTRONOMMICAL TAX ARREARS!!!

[@TheNewHugeCountryBoys]

Sounds gay

[@willis7319]

Joe louis was a kind genuine guy ,,most of all great great champion .....legend

[@nepaliguy6537]

muhamad alis idol was sugar ray robinson and sugar ray's was joe louis. RIP to all of them.

[@leeelisaia4892]

really ? thats so cool man

[@nepaliguy6537]

@@leeelisaia4892 yhh

[@thore0007]

So true, thanks! And Drew Bundini Brown was a trainer and influencer for Sugar Ray Robinson and when Cassius Clay fight against Sonny Liston, Bundini became the whisperer for Muhammad Ali, the greatest boxchampion the world has known, due to Media broadcasting technic and Alis encouragment for his people and against false wars and his greatness in the ring. Joe Louis, Max Schmeling, Sugar Ray Robinson, Muhammad Ali were the legends for generations, the greatest boxchampions and humanitarians of the 20th century.

[@davidharrison3399]

Pure class Joe Louis and Sugar Ray., all he done and he was chased by the IRS what a joke he should be HONOURED

[@CockneyClint]

Joe and Max chemistry is class stuff . Max was the only guy to beat a PRIME Louis and that was an amazing feat

[@davidlewis4162]

Legend , what a nice guy, the government completely robbed him of all he's money towards the end and after all the work he done for the army

[@dantedlane2]

Gotta pay taxes

[@CockneyClint]

Fucking disgusting . I'm a white man and when I heard the money he donated to the military wasnt allowed to go to Black soldiers I felt sick . Absolutely disgusting

[@muder0989]

It wasn't just the government he also got robbed blind my James j braddock. To even get a title shot with the then champion he had to agree to 10% of every pursue he would get for the rest of his career. Nobody understands what he went through just to be a champion.

[@Lonelysportofboxing]

@@CockneyClint are you serious?!

[@Lonelysportofboxing]

@@dantedlane2 …pay taxes my ass!

[@byronelenica8329]

This man Joe was so great it is hard to put int words. I am astounded at his humility for such a great, brilliant supreme boxing champion.

[@dirtyjew1974]

Joe wasn't just great, he was special not just as an athlete but as a man

[@lighthouse44]

As great a fighter as Joe Louis was, he was an even greater human being. He was pure class and a gentleman. And notice how dignified and respectful everyone is, unlike today.

[@hgwiechie]

15:24 It is so cool that two men who once fought each other can have so much respect for each other. God bless them both.

[@byronelenica8329]

How can a man so great, so powerful be so humble?

[@martinslattery2363]

Not many like him around today quiet man with a massive heart.

[@Anynom]

Great of Max Schemling to come over for this. The two were good friends after their fight and Max even helped Joe out with his finances.

[@elindio2968]

Very Humble and Great Boxer...R.I.P. Joe...

[@chrisg4022]

What a sweet and humble man Joe was! It's sad how much he was taken advantage of in those racist times... But like all great people, he rose above it and secured his place in American history.

[@depaola63]

Sugar Ray! Class all the way! God bless Joe and Ray Robinson! This show should be brought back! Classic memories..*

[@rm3869]

The most humble boxer of all time

[@shadowchaos1991]

Joe Louis took so much undeserved crap but he took it with his head held high. He was great in and outside the ring. Sad the way his life was after he finished boxing

[@rockabye_baby187]

Man this was beautiful to watch. I wish we could see today's champs do one too.

[@morgs456]

They'll never be on a par with Joe

[@dannapier2560]

Ralph Edwards called Joe Louis a "good boy"! I can remember my family and I watching this episode as a little boy. I can remember my parents and my elders being so upset with Edwards derogatory comment. It was a slight, however, we were happy to see African Americans on television

[@tbec3011]

In fair, Ralph Edwards referred to many of the TIYL male recipients (Roy Rogers comes to mind of several) as "boy" on numerous occasion. There was nothing in Edwards mannerism or language that suggest he meant nothing but the highest of respect. he held the guest in

[@wonjubhoy]

He did slip up there but I think that was an honest mistake. Ralph Edwards was so respectful to Joe Louis on the show. I don't honestly think he meant any malice towards Joe Louis.

[@_friedie]

Mr. Margolick wrote in his book, that Joe Louis did not like Max Schmeling. If you see both guys here, they prove him a liar!

[@morgs456]

I really hope you are correct

[@CG_CAKE]

what a great man

[@Number1WithTheGun]

this is an incredible video!!!! i smiled the whole time... this is history!

[@Dave-ti2ue]

What a gracious gentleman he was! God bless Joe Louis.

[@alimohammedabd]

How could anyone not like Joe Louis.

[@christiandelbarrio7680]

love joe! what a great man, rip champ!

[@christiandelbarrio7680]

***** of course man. Joe was a great boxer and an even greater man! He was a hero

[@katecameron3036]

all of the fighters on this are great to see and hear. every one has loads of class.

[@youngman8317]

I want to cry on how this horrible government robbed him and left him penniless.

[@malphralph5682]

joe is in a much better place now,he is in heaven with jesus.

[@patprr1756]

Let's hope so .

[@jimorourke8870]

Great to see Joe with The Cinderella Man Jim Braddock , haven't seen much off screen footage of Braddock, very tough looking guy.

[@tomquinn607]

Max Schmeling and Joe Louis were life time friends. Schmeling and Frank Sinatra helped Joe financially in the lean years. Joe Louis was a Great Champion.

[@sandhase8129]

First of all - sorry for my english, i come from Germany. A similar story like Louis/Schmeling was the Long Jump at the Nazi-Olympics 1936 in Berlin. German Jumper Luz Long get friendship with Jesse Owens in the competition - in front of Hitler. They laughed together and posed together for the photographs. Hitler was angry that the black man won and the German was only 2nd. This story show me that sportsmanship is bigger than politics. Sadly Luz died in the war.

[@sayyid5869]

Damn even the great Joe Louis said with his own words Robinson was the greatest to his face.

[@ramcrazyass4209]

The fact that Joe Louis was an old man and he said good boy shows me that I'm glad I wasn't born then

[@SuperPrince1007]

I love Joe Louis & Sugar Ray Robinson. They're two of the very best Boxers of all time.

[@usernamemadness]

I feel the bit at the end when the host keeps going on about all the stuff Joe was doing to pay back taxes and then handing out freebies was a bit embarrassing and undignified. I think you could see it in Joe's face. I know they were all trying to be nice. Joe was a rich man in many ways and no amount of money or material wealth was necessary to make him and others aware of that. RIP Legend.

[@Pharoahmahk]

It was, however I'm not surprised. Even if the host had no intention to be demeaning, as a member of the media, it was his societal responsibility at that time to continue to perpetuate the racial attitudes towards black ppl. This likely dictated language and the undertone in which black ppl were spoken to in order to maintain a certain attitude that white ppl had about them and that black ppl had about themselves. The nature in which the host spoke to Joe with back handed comments was likely normal. Very unfortunate.

[@rockabye_baby187]

Joe was a man with the highest of integrity. I dont believe he was bothered or ashamed. He had nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone has debt when we live in this life. Many will retire or die broke. I remember seeing a play about Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. Before we saw the play James Brown's old manager was speaking to us on stage about James. He told us about how humbled he was being someone from nothing made it big then get robbed by his managers. Still in all of that over the years he still took care of all of his band mates and families gave away most of his wealth to the poor but he never said anything about the managers. Of course he was illiterate so he couldnt understand contract jargon or financial estates. He wrote all of his music off notes played and by ear. For what he did in music was incredible. Joe was the same way. Lafayette Alabama to heavyweight champion. He likely gave them ok to mention those details during production.

[@Bellantoni]

Ezzard Charles's part was my favorite!

[@gdavis197726]

He deserves to be the greatest

[@loveboxinglucky1716]

Amen to that

[@Lonelysportofboxing]

He was our first black boxer hero!

[@aarondigby5054]

@@Lonelysportofboxing Jack Johnson would beg to differ.

[@isaiahburns7538]

​@Lonelysportofboxing . Second after Jack Johnson.

[@tonymazz9912]

I wished the IRS showed this amount of love and respect to Joe Louis. May He be with the angels above in GOD's grace and care. We love you Joe and the whole world will never forget you.

[@hank1972]

See this I always remember that Max Schmeling didn't even wait for his name to be announced and just leaps on stage.

[@Tsuruta1]

"The Brown Bomber, --now that was a GREAT boxer!" Eddie Murphy as the old Jewish man in "Coming To America."

[@TheMimetolithman]

this made me Cry' Joe was a GreaTMan

[@bloodfurypk666]

all the love and respect for joe louis the best ever and so humble just so sad to never meet him

[@turnupthesun81]

Awesome special. The humility of all these people is great.

[@lonestar6709]

The greatest heavyweight of all time. Murderous power in either hand. Marciano, Ali and Tyson were great make no mistake. But Louis was the king. 20 title defenses in little over 4 years. A record that will never be broke. Would have been even greater, but for World War 2. _"If you wanna know.... Take a look at Brown Bomber Joe."_

[@abdulaidainkeh2756]

It was 25 title defenses in 11 years

[@sleazyfellow]

@@abdulaidainkeh2756 yes but there was a big gap between them because of those war years when Louis was in the army. If not for the war, Louis would realistically be probably around the 30ish mark for defenses. Ali had the same deal, instead of freezing the title because of vietnam he decided not to go and got stripped of the title instead. He was on pace to match Joe if not for that, and it'd of been very interesting to see prime Ali vs prime Frazier for real, I mean, we saw prime Frazier in that first fight but not Ali.

[@JamesBondRambo]

Joe Louis was the most powerful and fastest punching heavyweight boxer in ring history. His great hand speed, especially in combination, was awesome to behold. He had a powerful jab, threw every punch perfectly and with wasteless accuracy. His right cross, thrown short and straight, was sheer dynamite. The "Brown Bomber" never ducked anyone as his record 25 title defenses attests to. Of those 25 successful defenses, 21 were won by knockout, 17 of those were ten counts! 5 in the first round! He also knocked out six men who held the Heavyweight Championship of the World. From 1934 to 1949, when he first retired as champion, his record was 60-1 with 51 knockouts. He held the Heavyweight Championship for a record of nearly 12 years.

[@KingJachai]

I respect your tremendous admiration of Joe. I do not blame you, he has definitely cemented himself in the legacy of boxing, and history, hands down. He inspired the man, who inspired Ali. Without a doubt, he punched with the precision of a surgeon's blade during an operation. However, the fastest hands go to Ali, and the most powerful goes to Foreman. Though In the end, Joe was without a doubt the greatest of his time, and one of the all time greats. Respect brother.

[@JamesBondRambo]

+ThirdEyePoet Throughout Heavyweight history, there may have been a few harder punchers and better boxers than Louis, but he combined them perfectly. That is something that cannot be said about any other Heavyweight Champ in history. He could adjust and adapt to any type of style he was confronted with. It was suicide to move towards him, and no way any fighter could beat him by running from him. He was dangerous inside and outside, he could win by slugging and trading, and had the ring savvy to out think and Box his opponent. Louis was the consummate Boxer-Puncher.

[@KingJachai]

+Samuel Ettima With all due respect though, during Louis' time period, everyone in his division fought virtually identical to one another. That old school jab, jab, right cross & flat footed stance. So as far as adapting, there wasn't really much of any to adapt to. It's true that Joe combined speed, precision, and power, but against the likes of an Ali, Larry Holmes, Roy Jones, Mike Tyson.. Louis wouldn't have stood a prayer. His style worked for his time, but is too primitive to have been in the late 60s and on.

[@JamesBondRambo]

+ThirdEyePoet Some critics question Louis level of competition but that criticism can be leveled at any heavyweight champion with the exception of Muhammad Ali. Louis competition is better than many give him credit for. Louis never fought a preliminary fight in his career and fought in main events from the beginning. He cleaned out the division on the way to the title. He defeated 6 men who held the heavyweight championship of the world, and two excellent world light-heavyweight champions. His near 12-year reign and 25 successful title defenses are division records that likely will never be broken.

[@JamesBondRambo]

+ThirdEyePoet Overall Ali faced the better competition, but Max Schmeling (a first rate counter-puncher), Max Baer (one of the hardest hitters in division history), Arturo Godoy (a strong chinned swarmer), and Jersey Joe Walcott (one of the slickest boxer-punchers of all time) are better than anyone that Ali faced during his prime years, with the exception of Sonny Liston.

[@michaelhubbard4023]

What a class act and a true champion. Humility at it's greatest.

[@kennedynjenga492]

What a great human being

[@Tennis-3582]

I wish I was born during that time, no exaggeration just simplicity pure love and respect!! We all lack such things nowadays

[@ttttxxiii]

What a great man as well as a great man

[@davidmiletic6647]

RR's hair was something else...

[@dirtyjew1974]

This is heart warming to see! A special time time for Joe and seeing him happy and all those that care about him.

[@roberthockett270]

He seems almost painfully embarrassed at first, making his delighted laugh of surprise as his siblings enter all the more lovely. And what a sweet beautiful family. Then a similar story when his spouse and his children come out at the end. The stories of all that he gave to his parents, his siblings, and his children, as well as to his friends and his country, are inspiring too. What a beautiful man. And few people of his era seem to have done as much to heal the soul of this country either. I only wish the announcer hadn't said 'boy' twice. Maybe that word was used for all boxers, but I rather doubt it.

[@coporal4]

Class act

[@sheila1013]

The great Joe Louis 👏👏👏What a lovely man. 💕. My late father's idol.. 💖

[@CockneyClint]

Seeing Max Schmelling walk in was golden

[@josephwhirlwind6086]

What a great sportsman he was , and what a gentle , kind soul !!

[@dirtyjew1974]

Joe wasn't just great in the ring, he was a ring god!

[@rogermobley1938]

how could anyone not like this ???

[@jesusapolicarpio-delacruz3851]

YOU'RE RIGHT, ROGER! THE SHOW SHOWS US RARE SNIPPETS OF RING GREATS SPEAKING~OUT iN THEIR BUSINESS SUITS!!!

[@vantheman1234]

Joe Louis was an American hero and an all-time. Joe did so much for the war effort. However, he was hounded by the IRS. Disgusting that a great man should be treated in such a way.

[@Tennis-3582]

The humility and humbleness was through the roof!!!

[@humphreygruntwhistle3946]

Look how Joe’s face lights up when he hears Max Schmeling’s voice. ☺

[@reeco355]

One of the best ever.! 🥊

[@davidspath5810]

Schmeling Louis and Ray Robinson does it get any better than that👏

[@wilsonblauheuer6544]

Schmeling was a great man and the US media villainized him- or tried to

[@ericalincoln1408]

Jerry Pavelec was the ABSOLUTE BEST! ARGUE? WATCH SMELLINGS 2 FIGHTS WITH HIM! ONE FOR THE THE OLYMPICS THE LAST IN MADISON SQUARE GARDEN AS AN EXHIBIT! JERRY PAVELEC KNOCKED OUT SMELLING IN THE FIRST ROUND OVER ALL 3 ROPES, INTO THE 5TH ROW!!! BEFORE MAX BAER VS. PRIMO CARNERA

[@_friedie]

@@ericalincoln1408 wtf are you talking about? Max never fought a guy named Jerry Pavelec.

[@jorgeh71]

I liked the video and thanks for posting it

[@btqy]

Joe had a good heart. Helping a lot of people with his money. Which left him with none. Max Schmelling helped Joe with money in his later years. Regardless a good human being.

[@WarriorOfGhengisKhan]

If I recall correctly he paid for his funeral expenses as well. they don't make them like they used too, such class. Seeing and hearing Sugar Ray's praise and Max's obvious delight at seeing Joe only solidifies my belief Joe Louis was something special.

[@bjornsundberg1947]

Nice to see Joe smiling so gently here. He almost never did so in in public, not even, after his wins in the ring, when he was interviewed.

[@steveeisenhowereisenhower7130]

Sweet sugar ray, and the brown bomber. A beautiful thing

[@chukesobialo5706]

This stuff makes me cry

[@Brian-pf7qq]

It's great to see all these fighting legends together.

[@byronelenica8329]

Joe Louis - the supreme boxer. A personification of the boxer from the fighter.

[@jerrylanglois7892]

Parting words, '' you're a legend boy '' ! Could've left that out.

[@sgsmozart]

Sugar Ray Robinson was such a sweet gentleman!

[@Lava1964]

Loved this post! They sure did dwell on Joe's tax problems. Kind of tacky under the circumstances. What they didn't mention was that Joe's tax problems began when he donated his purses to war charities. The IRS still considered the money as income and taxed it.

[@smorgasbordtv4092]

Also the host called him boy at the end, quote "you're a legend boy"

[@leetaylor7179]

Max Scheming became the European chairman of Coca Cola ! He and Louis were friends untill Joe died and Max paid for Joes funeral RIP both.

[@jasminefaniel077]

Joe Louis was such a humble man and very generous man!! Plus, he was very nice looking, especially in his young days. That's what I liked best about him on top of being the best heavy weight ever. He set the bar for a lot of following boxers as well. He had a fierce aura in the ring but a loving aura outside the ring.

[@secretcinemalagos5662]

Love Louis laugh makes me happy

[@CombatSecurityPolice85]

Sugar, Max,Joe and Jack. Some great fighers with class.

[@GChris-ny8fp]

Legend, in and out of the ring

[@aethelwulf8753]

What a magic piece of history, and to see Sugar Ray Robinson, Max Schmeling, Jim Braddock and Ezzard Charles with Joe was very special, what a breed of real men they were. Seeing old Jack Dempsey was special too.

[@michaelthresher9282]

what a man

[@JerZkyd]

that was awesome when max came out!

[@kimw9340]

Joe Louis class act.

[@kybelian]

Anyone that can hold a championship for 11 years and not duck the top contenders is greatest no matter when. Nobody knows who the HW champ is today. They seldom fight and there's a multitude of alphabets.

[@donniestephens2347]

Great, great, man!!

[@Colsoloact-po9wv]

I don't know what it is about Ralph Edwards but did he really need to mention about the tax debt on his this is your life , and about the purses of his fights going to his tax debt. Joe deserved better from him and the IRS!

[@shamspour]

Thanks for whom upload this video but as I know he did great job remain for persons like me for ever

[@davidharrison3399]

IRS got it wrong about Joe , the country treated him badly.

[@jimmyd10100]

joe louis--humble class act. " champion".

[@marcotelli1601]

I remember these people, but I don't recognize them anymore.

[@JurijFedorov]

The GOAT just casually said hello. I was about to fall down from my chair. Wonderful. Can you reupload the video?

[@COLEEN322]

much abused but a total gentleman

[@bigman6781]

This was beautiful however it’s sad to see these warriors suffering Ezzard in particular struggling with ALS at the time was truly heartbreaking to see. Also they putting Joe’s IRS battle on blast like a mf damn.