Max Schmeling

Maximillian Adolph Otto Siegfried Schmeling (September 28, 1905 – February 2, 2005) was a German boxer whose two Heavyweight championship fights with Joe Louis transcended boxing and became worldwide social events which will forever be linked to the rivalry between Americans and Germans before World War II.

Early years and Jack Sharkey

Schmeling debuted as a professional boxer in 1924, and he built a record of 42 wins, 4 losses and 3 draws, before fighting Jack Sharkey for the vacant world Heavyweight championship, in 1930. In between his debut and the championship fight, he fought a two-round exhibition with world Heavyweight champ Jack Dempsey, in 1925, at Cologne.

Related Topics:
1924 - Jack Sharkey - World - 1930 - Jack Dempsey - 1925 - Cologne

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In round 4, Sharkey hit Schmeling with a low blow so severe, that Schmeling could not continue. Thus, Schmeling won the world title on a disqualification. He became the first Heavyweight world champion to win the title on a disqualification, and to this day, remains the only one to have won it that way.

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In 1931, he made a defense, knocking out Young Stribling in 15 rounds at Cleveland, and in 1932, he and Sharkey had a rematch. After 15 rounds, Sharkey was declared the winner on points (a very controversal split decision), and Schmeling lost his title. Despite efforts to make a third fight happen, the rubber match between Schmeling and Sharkey never took place.

Related Topics:
1931 - Young Stribling - Cleveland - 1932

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