Saturday, December 08, 2007

Mae West: Joe Louis

The daughter of "Battling Jack," a boxer, MAE WEST became a fight fan. Often photographed in a ringsize seat, Mae also befriended certain black pugilists such as Chalky Wright, William "Gorilla" Jones, and Joe Louis.
• • Born in Detroit, Michigan, Joseph Louis Barrow [13 May 1914 – 12 April 1981], best known as Joe Louis and nicknamed The Brown Bomber is considered to be one of the greatest heavyweight boxing champions that ever lived. Joe Louis held the title for over 11 years, recording 25 successful defenses of the title. But the former sparring partner probably wouldn't have gotten a chance to BE champ if it weren't for the Brooklyn bombshell.
• • Asked how she used her influence to give Joe Louis the biggest break he ever had, Mae West explained the situation to Jet Magazine's editor.
• • Joe Louis was scheduled to fight Slapsie Maxie Rosenbloom, a native of New York City's Harlem who was born on 6 September 1903. In 1932, Slapsie Maxie had earned the title of "Light Heavyweight Champ of the World."
• • Mae West grew concerned after Julian Black, Joe's manager, revealed that he had agreed to the match only one one condition that Rosenbloom "would agree not to do any slapping" [and make Louis look bad, thereby damaging his box-office appeal].
• • Smelling trouble, Mae West phoned her former lover, Owney Madden, who was in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Madden said, "I don't think Joe Louis should fight Maxie. Tell Joe's manager to get in touch with me. I'll give Joe a chance to go a few rounds with the champ — Jimmy Braddock."
• • The match was set for 22 June 1937 and Joe Louis would become the new champ.
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• • Seventy years ago, in Chicago, Joe Louis, the "Brown Bomber from Detroit," captured the heavyweight boxing crown by knocking out James Braddock in eight rounds.
• • Come up and see Mae every day online: http://MaeWest.blogspot.com/
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Source:http://maewest.blogspot.com/atom.xml

• • Photo: • • Mae West's lover Joe Louis • • 1937 • •

Mae West.

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