Joe Louis Successfully Defends Heavyweight Crown For Eighth Time – September 20, 1939 (This Day In Boxing History)

One of boxing’s greatest heavyweights successfully defended his title for the eighth time.

Joe Louis (66-3, 52 KOs) knocked out Bob Pastor (53-7-5, 17 KOs) in Round 11 of 20 in Detroit, Michigan.

Louis – born Joseph Louis Barrow – competed from 1934 to 1951 and is regarded as one of the greatest and most influential boxers of all time. He wore the world heavyweight champion belt from 1937 to 1949.

Fans say Louis is another boxer who may have been forgotten in the sport’s history.

This was the first of two meetings with Pastor – both of which Louis won. Pastor was previously ranked No. 8 by The Ring.