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A Champion's Style Through the Decades

Explore the powerful moments of boxing legend Joe Louis captured in stunning imagery

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These images depict Joe Louis as a boxer, showcasing his prowess and athleticism in the ring. Captured during significant moments of his career, both inside and outside the boxing righ, the photographs highlight his powerful stance and determination as he prepared for various bouts. Each image serves as a testament to Louis's legacy as one of the greatest heavyweight champions in boxing history, illustrating not only his physical strength but also his role as a cultural icon who transcended the sport.

765 Items

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis in Fighting Pose

Joe Louis in Fighting Pose
Heavyweight champion Joe Louis demonstrates his fighting pose

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Ready to Box

Joe Louis Ready to Box
Boxing great Joe Louis, the "Brown Bomber", stands in a gymnasium boxing ring as if ready for a match

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Portrait of Joe Louis

Portrait of Joe Louis
(Original Caption) Joe Louis, the "Brown Bomber, " 1914-1981, American boxer. Defeated James J. Braddock to win world heavyweight championship. Defended title 25 times, retired in 1949 undefeated

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis and Willie Davis Sparring

Joe Louis and Willie Davis Sparring
(Original Caption) Joe Louis, Detroit heavyweight, shown sparring with Willie Davis of Chicago

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Stooping to Examine Golf Strategy

Joe Louis Stooping to Examine Golf Strategy
(Original Caption) Former heavyweight champion Joe Louis (1914- ) is seen lining up a putt at the Engineers Club in Roslyn, Long Island, during a match with Dodger Jackie Robinson

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis and Others in the Ring

Joe Louis and Others in the Ring
(Original Caption) Victor's Mighty Fist. With the vast crowd in the Yankee stadium in an uproar, announcer Arthur Bealleau holds up the mighty fist of Joe Louis

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Punching Tommy Farr

Joe Louis Punching Tommy Farr
(Original Caption) The breeze from Joe Louis' swishing left hook makes Welsh Tommy Farr gasp for breath during one of the fifteen hectic rounds of their battle at Yankee Stadium

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis In Ring Knocking Out Opponent

Joe Louis In Ring Knocking Out Opponent
(Original Caption) Joe Louis in the ring knocking out opponent. Undated photograph

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Portrait of Joe Louis

Portrait of Joe Louis
Heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis of the 1930's and 1940's, also known as the "Brown Bomber"

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis in Boxnig Pose

Joe Louis in Boxnig Pose
(Original Caption) Boxer Joe Louis is shown in a waist-up fighting pose, wearing his boxing gloves

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Missing By a Mile

Missing By a Mile
Ezzard Charles(right) is shown missing with a right, as Joe Louis backs away in the 4th round of their 15-round title bout at the Yankee Stadium tonight

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis In Sparring Pose

Joe Louis In Sparring Pose
(Original Caption) Pompton Lakes, NJ: 3/4 length photograph of Joe Louis in training at Pompton Lakes, New Jersey

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis with Son

Joe Louis with Son
(Original Caption) Little Joe and Big Joe. Chicago, Illinois: Little Joe and Big Joe face each other in the ring, December 5, as Joe Louis, Jr

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Skipping Rope

Joe Louis Skipping Rope
(Original Caption) Joe Nimbletoes. Pompton Lakes, New Jersey: No one ever discovered the real reason why a fighter skips rope. Some claim it toughens the legs. Others say it's good for the wind

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Walking Near Barracks

Joe Louis Walking Near Barracks
(Original Caption) Carrying boxing gloves and shoes, Private Joe Louis heads for training quarters provided for him at fort Dix for his march 27

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: 1934 Chicago Golden Gloves

1934 Chicago Golden Gloves
(Original Caption) 1934- Chicago, IL - When Joe Louis, Heavyweight Champion, was just a member of the 1934 Chicago Golden Gloves Team

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Boxer Joe Louis

Boxer Joe Louis
12/8/1934- Detroit, MI -ORIGINAL CAPTION READS: Joe Louis, 188-pound Detroit, MIch. Negro, former Golden Gloves Champion, who has taken eleven wins, most of them on the knockout route

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Eating with His Trainer

Joe Louis Eating with His Trainer
Heavyweight champion Joe Louis eating with his trainer Jack Blackburn

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis and His Family

Joe Louis and His Family
(Original Caption) The Scene at Joe Louis' Home When Baer Went Down. There was more excitement around Joe Louis' Detroit home than there was in the Yankee Stadium

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Portrait of Joe Louis

Portrait of Joe Louis
Heavyweight champion Joe Louis, poses in a jacket and tie complete with a hat

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Smiling with His Trainer

Joe Louis Smiling with His Trainer
Heavyweight champion Joe Louis, smiles in the ring with his trainer Jack Blackburn bends over in laughter

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Stretching

Joe Louis Stretching
Heavyweight champion Joe Louis stretches during training

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Shaking Hands With Mayor Shaw

Joe Louis Shaking Hands With Mayor Shaw
(Photo by Bettmann Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Examining His Muscle

Joe Louis Examining His Muscle
(Original Caption) Here's Joe Louis, Detroit's new colored heavyweight sensation, who turned professional only last July, and is now looked upon as a formidable foe for Max Baer, the champion

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis in Boxing Position

Joe Louis in Boxing Position
(Original Caption) Here's Joe Louis, Detroit's new colored heavyweight sensation, who turned professional only last July, and is now looked upon as a formidable foe for Max Baer, the champion

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Boxers Lee Ramage and Joe Louis in Obvious Positions

Boxers Lee Ramage and Joe Louis in Obvious Positions
(Original Caption) The science of Lee Ramage again proved ineffectual against the strength and aggressiveness of Joe Louis, who achieved his second knockout over Ramage in their bout at Los Angeles

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Getting Hand Taped

Joe Louis Getting Hand Taped
(Original Caption) Left to right: Trainer Jack Blackburn, Joe Louis, Negro Heavyweight, Manager Julian Black

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Harry Grayson Talking with Joe Louis

Harry Grayson Talking with Joe Louis
(Original Caption) Joe Louis, Negro heavyweight, with Harry Grayson, NEA sports writer

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis and Julian Black Playing Cards

Joe Louis and Julian Black Playing Cards
(Original Caption) Manager Julian Black and Joe Louis, Negro heavyweight

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Porters And Joe Louis

Porters And Joe Louis
(Original Caption) New York - Porters and Louis. Red Caps pay tribute to "Black Dynamite". The Pullman Porters at Grand Central station are giving three rousing cheers for Joe Louis

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Interviewing with Sports Writers

Joe Louis Interviewing with Sports Writers
(Original Caption) Dynamite Interviewed by Sports Writers. New York: Joe Louis, the colored heavyweight sensation of Detroit is being interviewed by Sports writers at the 20th Century Club as he

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis & Jack Dempsey W/Promoter

Joe Louis & Jack Dempsey W/Promoter
(Original Caption) 5/15/1935-New York, NY- Joe Louis (L), sensational Detroit Negro heavyweight, is squaring off with Jack Dempsey, the former champion, as Mike Jacobs, promoter, introduces them

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Carrying His Luggage

Joe Louis Carrying His Luggage
(Original Caption) Baggage. "Black Dynamite" Smashes His Own Baggage. New York: Joe Louis the colored heavyweight sensation of Detroit is smashing his own baggage as he arrives to meet Primo Carnera

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Arrives in New York

Joe Louis Arrives in New York
Joe Louis, sensational heavyweight boxer who is seriously being considered as a contender for the title, pictured on his arrival at Grand Central Station, New York

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis with Friends

Joe Louis with Friends
(Original Caption) Tar Baby Meets New Heavyweight Sensation. New York, New York: Sam Langford, famous Tar Baby of ring history, met Joe Louis (left)

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Boxing Champ Joe Louis

Boxing Champ Joe Louis
(Original Caption) Sittin' in the Corner. Pompton Lakes, New Jersey: In this corner we have Joe Louis, the sensational Brown Bomber of Detroit

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Harlem Celebrating Joe Louis' Victory

Harlem Celebrating Joe Louis' Victory
A busload of men celebrate Joe Louis' victory in Harlem

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Champion Boxer Joe Louis

Champion Boxer Joe Louis
(Original Caption) When the Gong Sounds It Will Be Time to Fight. Pompton Lakes, New Jersey: Joe Louis, Detroit's sensational Brown Bomber

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Jogging

Joe Louis Jogging
(Original Caption) Louis Shapes Up for Carnera Tilt. Pompton Lakes, New Jersey: Joe Louis, sensational colored heavyweight from Detroit, accompanied by a friend from his camp

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Talking with Manager

Joe Louis Talking with Manager
(Original Caption) 6/10/1935-Pompton Lakes, NJ- Joe Louis, sensational colored heavyweight contender from Detroit, talks things over with his manager, John Roxboro Ugh

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Holds Medicine Ball Above Head

Joe Louis Holds Medicine Ball Above Head
(Original Caption) 6/15/1935-Pompton Lakes, NJ- Joe Louis, sensational Detroit Negro heavyweight who is training here for his Milk Fund bout with Primo Carnera at Yankee Stadium, on June 25th

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Wearing Baseball Catcher Equipment

Joe Louis Wearing Baseball Catcher Equipment
(Original Caption) Joe on the Receiving End. Pompton Lakes, N.J.: Joe Louis, who meets Primo Carnera in Milk Fund Bout at Yankee Stadium on June 25

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Primo Carnera Sparring with Willie Mcgee

Primo Carnera Sparring with Willie Mcgee
(Original Caption) 6/17/1935-Owasoo Lake, NY- A greatly improved Primo Carnera is aiming a well-timed left jab to Willie McGee's head as the Giant Italian works out for his milk fund fight against

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis and 'General' Bourrows

Joe Louis and "General" Bourrows
(Original Caption) Joe Louis Meets the "Masked Marvel." Pompton Lakes, New Jersey: It's not a gag, folks, just an idea that Joe Louis' handlers have devised to save wear

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Ready To Face Primo Carnera

Joe Louis Ready To Face Primo Carnera
(Original Caption) 6/18/1935- Pompton Lakes, NJ - Joe Louis, of Detroit, as he will shape up in the ring of Yankee Stadium, in the Milk Fund Bout with Primo Carnera on the evening of June 25th

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Jack Blackburn Examining Joe Louis

Jack Blackburn Examining Joe Louis
(Original Caption) A working over after a hard workout...Joe Louis, current "Dark Nemesis" of the heavyweight ranks, is seen here under the expert administration of Jack Blackburn, his trainer

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Posing with Mother and Sisters

Joe Louis Posing with Mother and Sisters
(Original Caption) Joe's Folks Visit Him at His Training Camp. Pompton Lakes, N.J.: Mrs. Lilian Barrow Brooks, mother of Joe Louis, Negro battler, and three of his four sisters

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Max Schmeling Winning Boxing Matching

Max Schmeling Winning Boxing Matching
(Original Caption) Max Schmeling, of Germany, former title holder, won the right to challenge Jimmy Bradock for the Heavy weight crown when he defeated Joe Louis, of Detroit

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis' Mother Lillian Barrow Brooks

Joe Louis' Mother Lillian Barrow Brooks
(Original Caption) 6/19/1935- Pompton Lakes, NJ - A smiling closeup of Mrs. Lillian Barrow Brooks, mother of Joe Louis, the Negro Heavyweight from Detroit. Mrs

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Kissing His Mother

Joe Louis Kissing His Mother
(Original Caption) Joe Greets His Ma in Approved Fashion. Pompton Lakes, N.J.: Joe Louis, the "Brown Bomber" from Detroit

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Max Schmeling Knocking Down Joe Louis

Max Schmeling Knocking Down Joe Louis
Max Schmeling Knocks down Joe Louis in their title fight

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Boxer Joe Louis Returning to Corner

Boxer Joe Louis Returning to Corner
(Original Caption) Joe Louis, just returned to his corner at the end of the 5th round, is being frantically worked on by his handlers, during his fight with Max Schmeling, at the Yankee Stadium

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis' Mother Whispers in His Ear

Joe Louis' Mother Whispers in His Ear
(Original Caption) 6/20/1935-Pompton Lakes, NJ- Mrs. Lillian Barrow Brooks, his mother, is pictured whispering to her son, Joe Louis, in the ring at his training camp here

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis with Sisters in Boxing Ring

Joe Louis with Sisters in Boxing Ring
(Original Caption) 6/20/1935-Pompton Lakes, NJ- Joe Louis, Brown Bomber from Detroit, who is training here for his Milk Fund bout with Primo Carnera on June 25

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Commission Doctor Examining Joe Louis

Commission Doctor Examining Joe Louis
(Original Caption) Joe Louis "okay, " says Commission doctor...Dr. William Walker of the N.Y. State Boxing Commission, examines Joe Louis of Detroit

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Pouring Milk for Girl

Joe Louis Pouring Milk for Girl
(Original Caption) Joe's fighting will provide a lot of milk...Joe Louis, Detroit's Negro heavyweight who fights Primo Carnera June 25th, for the benefit of the Milk Funds

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Conversing with His Mother

Joe Louis Conversing with His Mother
(Original Caption) Joe's Mother Wishes Him Luck in Carnera Bout. Pompton Lakes, N.J.: Joe Louis, Detroit heavyweight is wished luck by his mother, Mrs. Lillian B

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis in Boxing Stance

Joe Louis in Boxing Stance
(Original Caption) Here is "Dead Pan" Joe Louis, colored heavyweight boxing sensation who fights Primo Carnera, former titleholder, at the Yankee Stadium, New York City, June 25th

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Portrait of Joe Louis

Portrait of Joe Louis
(Original Caption) Ready for Carnera Fight. Pictured above is Joe Louis, commonly known as "Dead Pan, " who fights Primo Carnera, former heavyweight titleholder

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Punching Heavy Bag

Joe Louis Punching Heavy Bag
(Original Caption) Louis Trains for Carnera Fight. Joe Louis (right) punches the heavy bag while working out at his Pompton Lakes, N.J

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Standing over Primo Carnera

Joe Louis Standing over Primo Carnera
(Original Caption) Joe Louis, Detroit's Brown Bomber, scored a decisive technical knockout over Primo Carnera in the sixth round of their bout at the Yankee Stadium, June 25th

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Beating Primo Carnera

Joe Louis Beating Primo Carnera
(Original Caption) The referee comes from behind to pull Joe Louis away from the fallen Primo Carnera, on his knees for on of the three trips to the canvas during the sixth

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Referee Raising Joe Louis' Hand

Referee Raising Joe Louis' Hand
(Original Caption) 6/25/1935-New York, NY- Joe Louis, the sepia stoic, seems unmoved as the announcer lifts his hand in token of his six-round technical knockout over Primo Carnera in their bout at

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis and Primo Carnera

Joe Louis and Primo Carnera
(Original Caption) 6/25/1935- New York, NY - Primo Carnera, Italy's gargantuan contribution to the American prize ring, and Joe Louis, sullen-faced Detroit Heavyweight

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Beating Primo Carnera

Joe Louis Beating Primo Carnera
(Original Caption) Joe Louis Detroit's brown bomber scored a technical knockout over Primo Carnera in their bout at Yankee Stadium, New York City

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Admirers Greeting Joe Louis

Admirers Greeting Joe Louis
(Original Caption) Joe Louis is being cheered by the great crowd of admirers that gathered in front of the house where he stopped on the night after his victory over Primo Carnera

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Waking Up

Joe Louis Waking Up
(Original Caption) Hark, Hark -- The Lark! Black Dynamite Arises! New York. A good night's work requires a good night's sleep

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis' Mother Watching Son in Match

Joe Louis' Mother Watching Son in Match
(Original Caption) 7/19/1935-Photo shows Joe Louis' mother, third from left, watching her son work- Mrs. Lillian Barro Brooks

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Jazz Musician Earl Hines Crowning Boxer Joe Louis

Jazz Musician Earl Hines Crowning Boxer Joe Louis
(Original Caption) 8/8/1935-Chicago, IL- This is about the nearest sphinx-like Joe Louis ever comes to a smile. He is shown donning the King's crown after knocking out Kingfish Levinsky in one

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis After Winning Bout

Joe Louis After Winning Bout
(Original Caption) Joe Louis, heavyweight challenger, after he had been given a technical knockout over King Levinsky in their fight in Chicago

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis and Jesse Owens

Joe Louis and Jesse Owens
Heavyweight boxer Joe Louis puts his arm around Jesse Owens, Ohio State University track star and holder of three world's records

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Holding Kite for Adelaide Bier

Joe Louis Holding Kite for Adelaide Bier
(Original Caption) Almost as good...There wasn't enough wind to fly little Adelaide Bier's kite, so Joe Louis held it so high over his head that it appeared to be flying

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Punching the Bag

Joe Louis Punching the Bag
(Original Caption) Training with Louis. Pompton Lakes, New Jersey: As he toys with the heavy bag, Joe Louis, the "Brown Bomber" from Detroit, gets into shape at Pompton Lakes, New Jersey

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Demonstrating His Boxing Stance

Joe Louis Demonstrating His Boxing Stance
(Original Caption) Sports Champions of 1935. The Brown Bomber, The Tan Tornado, The Amber Assassin, The Dark Angel of Destruction--any name you want to call him, Joe Louis

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Portrait of Joe Louis

Portrait of Joe Louis
(Original Caption) Guaranteed sedative...Joe Louis, the "Detroit Brown Bomber, " takes a look at his mighty right fist with which he hopes to put Max Baer to sleep when they meet at the Yankee

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Max Baer in Antique Boxing Stance

Max Baer in Antique Boxing Stance
(Original Caption) 9/6/1935-Speculator, NY- Maxie Baer, the peck's bad boy of pugilism, is making merry with the memory of champs of yesteryear. He is striking a famous John L

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Crowd Watching Joe Louis Training

Crowd Watching Joe Louis Training
(Original Caption) Joe Louis, who meets Max Baer on September 24th, toys with the light bag while training for his fight at Pompton Lakes, N.J. September 11th

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Fighting Paul Cavelier

Joe Louis Fighting Paul Cavelier
(Original Caption) Training with Joe Louis. Pompton Lakes, New Jersey: Joe Louis (right) and sparring partner Paul Cavelier mix it up during Louis' training at Pompton Lakes, New Jersey, September 11

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis and Tiger Flowers Boxing

Joe Louis and Tiger Flowers Boxing
Heavyweight champion Joe Louis boxes against Tiger Flowers

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Max Baer Back To Camera Flexes Right Arm

Max Baer Back To Camera Flexes Right Arm
(Original Caption) 9/16/1935-Speculator, New York- Max Baer exhibits the mighty right arm with which he hopes to stop the triumphal march of Joe Louis, the Brown Bomber, when the pair meet Sept

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Posing with Closed Fist

Joe Louis Posing with Closed Fist
(Original Caption) Views of Joe Louis, heavyweight fighter

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Shown With His Four Trainers

Joe Louis Shown With His Four Trainers
(Original Caption) 9/21/1935-Pompton Lakes, NJ- Here is Joe Louis, of Detroit and environs, and the men who are directing him along the path to pugilistic fame- left to right -: Julian Black

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Joe Louis Showing His Fists

Joe Louis Showing His Fists
(Original Caption) Brown Bomber's "Bombs." Pompton Lakes, New Jersey: Joe Louis is giving us here a "formal pose" of the tools of his trade; his talented right, and left, maulies with which

Background imageA Champion's Style Through the Decades: Doctor Examining Joe Louis

Doctor Examining Joe Louis
(Original Caption) The doctor says that Joe is fit...It won't be long now, folks, we're getting down to the last of those little preliminaries which precede every big fistic show



The collection reflects the spirit of an era defined by Louis's remarkable achievements and contributions to boxing.

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