Regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights, the "Brown Bomber" reigned as world heavyweight champion from 1937 to 1949 and competed in 26 championship fights. In 1938, during the buildup to World War II, he faced Nazi Germany's Max Schmeling before a crowd of over 70,000 at Yankee Stadium as well as a worldwide radio audience. He knocked out Schmeling in the first round, elevating him to a national hero. His professional record was 66 wins and 3 losses, with 52 wins by knockout.

Photo: William Fischer, Jr.

Photo: William Fischer, Jr.