Joe Louis, rated by many boxing experts as the greatest heavyweight champion of all time, is the first professional boxer to be honored by the U.S. Postal Service. The Louis issuance is on a new 29-cent commemorative stamp.
Born Joseph Louis Barrow in Lafayettte, Ala., on May 13, 1914, he began his pro career in Detroit in 1934. In 1936, he sustained the first of his three defeats in a 66-bout career when he was knocked out in the 12th round by Max Schmel-ing.In 1937, Louis won the heavyweight crown by knocking out James J. Braddock in the eighth round, and a year later he avenged the Schmeling setback by knocking out the German in the first round.
Nicknamed the Brown Bomber, Louis enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 and fought exhibition matches for American troops. He announced his retirement from boxing in 1949 but returned to the ring in September 1950. He quit for good when he was knocked out by Rocky Marciano in the eighth round on Oct. 26, 1951. Louis, winner of 49 of his bouts by knockout, defended his crown a record 25 times. He died on April 12, 1981, and was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
First-day cancellations for the Louis stamp are as follows:
You may purchase the stamp at your local post office, affix to the envelope of your choice, address the envelope, place in a larger envelope addressed to: Customer Affixed Stamps, Joe Louis Stamp, Postmaster, Detroit, MI 48120-9991.
If you prefer, the Postal Service will affix the stamp. Send your self-addressed envelopes and 29 cents per stamp in check or money order to: Joe Louis Stamp, Postmaster, Detroit, MI 48120-9992.
Deadline for mailing is July 22.