Down for the count

New York Daily News – Breaking News – German boxing legend Max Schmeling dead at 99 99? Wow.

Schmeling lost his title to Sharkey two years later on a disputed decision, but came back to knock out the previously unbeaten Louis in the 12th round on June 19, 1936, which the Nazi regime trumpeted as a sign of “Aryan supremacy.”

Schmeling was a 10-1 underdog and his victory is considered one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. But in a rematch at Yankee Stadium on June 22, 1938, Louis knocked out Schmeling in the first round.

At first, Schmeling was popular in the United States. But by the time the rematch took place, he was viewed as a symbol of the Nazis. The fight was portrayed in both countries as good vs. evil. The Nazis sought to project Schmeling as an Aryan Superman. President Franklin D. Roosevelt invited Louis to the White House to exhort the black boxer to beat Schmeling.