Joe Louis’ 1935 fourth-round win over Max Baer is remembered

Joe Louis answered the biggest question about his ability on September 24, 1935, stopping former champion Max Baer in the fourth round at Yankee Stadium. The 21-year-old arrived with a 24-0 record, but James J. Braddock still held the heavyweight championship. Louis left the ring as the division’s leading force without owning its crown.

Baer had lost the title to Braddock three months earlier, yet he remained regarded as one of the most dangerous punchers in boxing. He had defeated Max Schmeling and Primo Carnera on the way to the championship, while his fight with Frankie Campbell had added to his intimidating reputation. Louis had not previously faced an opponent with that combination of experience, power and menace.

The contest gave Baer little chance to use his right hand. Louis stepped into range, landed first and kept his opponent moving backwards. His short punches came in combinations, while his footwork kept him close enough to attack again before Baer could recover. Baer’s right knuckles were fractured and his left wrist contained a bone chip, with Novocain used for temporary relief, but Louis’ control of the fight went beyond those physical problems.

Louis dropped Baer twice in the third round, the first knockdowns of Baer’s professional career. A further combination put Baer down on one knee in the fourth, and referee Arthur Donovan completed the count at 3:09. Baer later said he may have been capable of standing, but saw no reason to continue.

The scale of the occasion also established Louis as a major attraction. The fight brought 84,831 paying spectators and a gate of $932,944 during the Great Depression. Radio and film income took the total past $1 million, while Louis received $217,337 and Baer $181,114.

Louis’ handlers had promoted him as quiet, disciplined and restrained, partly to avoid comparisons with former champion Jack Johnson. His performances were making that presentation less necessary. After victories over Primo Carnera, King Levinsky and Baer within three months, Louis had shown that he was more than a promising puncher. He would wait two more years for the title, including a 1936 defeat by Schmeling, but the hierarchy of the heavyweight division had already changed at Yankee Stadium.