Boxing: "The Sweet Science"

Michigan was the home of numerous big-time fighters as well as host to several championship bouts. There are interesting facets of boxing-"the sweet science"-in Michigan's history, including the two following examples.

Joe Louis came out of retirement in 1951 to fight Rocky Marciano. Although he lost the fight, Louis remained in the spotlight. Plagued by financial troubles, he was lured to the less credible sport of professional wrestling and returned once again to the ring.

In the photograph, Joe Louis talks about another favorite sport-golf-with some of his young fans

Wrestlers and boxers were required to register with the State Board of Athletics.  This is Louis's wrestling card.

This is a ticket to the Sugar Ray Robinson-Chuck Taylor welterweight championship match at the Olympia Boxing Club in Detroit, December 19, 1947.

This telegram from Taylor's manager, Jack Laken, to John Hettche, Chairman of the Michigan Boxing Commission, claims the title for Taylor because of alleged illegal punches by Robinson.

-Mark Harvey, State Archivist
E-mail:harveym@michigan.gov