In a recent incident of theft in Los Angeles, it has been reported that the championship belts belonging to the late Joe Louis, a renowned American professional boxer, were stolen. Joe Louis, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest heavyweight champions in history, held the world heavyweight title from 1937 to 1949 and successfully defended it 25 times, setting a record that has remained unbroken for decades. As a result, he earned a legendary status and was highly regarded for his dominance and skill in the boxing world.
Joe Louis’s significance extended beyond his achievements in the ring. He was a national hero and an influential figure in the African American community during a time of racial segregation and discrimination. Many have compared him to other boxing legends like Muhammad Ali, who idolized Louis. The heavyweight titles that Louis won throughout his career became symbolic of his legacy. Unfortunately, these symbolic representations were stolen in a robbery that took place at an office in Rolling Hills Estates.
Ronald T. Schaefer, who spoke about the incident, revealed that the stolen belts had been donated by Louis’s wife, who aimed to preserve her husband’s legacy. Among the stolen items was the British Empire Belt, which Louis won in 1939, and the American Championship Belt, which he claimed in 1937 to become the heavyweight champion. Schaefer, after making a public announcement about the belts, returned to his office and left them in a locked locker since it was too late to return them to their usual location.
Joe Louis was born in 1914 as the seventh child in a family of eight in Lafayette, Alabama. Seeking better opportunities, his parents relocated the family to Detroit, where Louis’s boxing talents were first recognized in the local boxing gyms on the East Side. Despite their modest financial situation, the boxing community in the area embraced Louis and provided him with intensive training. On June 22, 1937, Louis became the world heavyweight champion, defending his title for nearly 12 years.
Today, we commemorate the passing of Joe Louis, one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. His tombstone in Arlington National Cemetery features an image of himself, ready to deliver one of his legendary punches. Following his death on April 12, 1981, at the age of 66 in Las Vegas, Nevada, efforts were made to honor his legacy. He was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia with full military honors.