Max Schmeling Born: September 28, 1905 Died: February 2, 2005 Total Bouts: 70 Won: 56 Lost: 10 Drew: 4 KO’s: 39 Hall of Fame Induction: 1992

 

With the recent death of the man known as "The Black Ulan" a great Boxer, Sportsman ,and Human being will receive his final notice from the public. Max Schmeling was a victim of his times. Used by the Nazi propaganda machine as a symbol of a bogus Aryan Supremacy, Schmeling's fights became symbolic of a sinister plot. Schmeling was not part to this ,he was simply a fine boxer, with an ambition to succeed. Born of humble beginnings in Brandeburg State Germany, Schmeling turned professional in 1924.Schmeling fought in Germany for the first four years before coming to the US and fighting many of the sports biggest names.

Schmeling ran his record to 42 wins, 4 losses and 3 draws before fighting Jack Sharkey for the vacant World's Heavyweight championship in 1930. In the 4th round Sharkey landed a fight stopping low blow, Schmeling was unable to continue, Sharkey was disqualified and Schmeling was the first, and to this day, the only Heavyweight titlist to come by the title this way.

A title defense occurred in 1931, with Schmeling stopping Young Stribling in the 15th. A rematch with Sharkey in occurred in 1932, Sharkey won a decision and regained the title. Attempts to bring about a third bout were futile.

Fights with Mickey Walker, Max Baer, Steve Hamas, Paolino Uzcudun, and Walter Neusel followed. Then in 1936, a seemingly "shot" Max Schmeling returned to the US and took the undefeated rising star Joe Louis to the "wood shed" shocking the world by KO'ing Louis in the 12th round.
 

In 1938, with World war looming, and tensions on both sides of the Atlantic stretched tightly, Schmeling returned to the US for one of boxing’s most famous bouts ever. Louis was by then World Champion, and bent on avenging the beating previously taken at the hands of Schmeling. In pre-fight publicity Schmeling was cast as the Nazi-Aryan warrior, Louis was seen as the hope of American Democratic ideals. The racial undercurrents were intense throughout both countries. The spector of American racist having their loyalties tested against their prejudices was unique and defining for many. The bout was broadcast in Europe as well as the US. The Brown Bomber quickly dispatched Schmeling in the 1st. The world was somehow different after this event. Especially for Schmeling, now scorned at home.

 

Schmeling had been branded as a Nazi in the US , however this was far from the truth and he was very unpopular with the ruling German party especially after his embarrassing loss to Louis. In 1939 war broke out in Europe and because Schmeling had resisted becoming a Nazi party member he was drafted into the Army and sent on the most dangerous missions imaginable. The Nazi's hoped to make use of his name once more, as a dead hero. Schmeling survived much to the Nazi's dismay.

Several stories emerged after the war that endeared Schmeling to sports fans. First it was revealed that Schmeling had hidden two teenage sons of a Jewish friend on the infamous Kristallnacht atrocity in Germany, and later helped smuggle these boys to safety in the west. Secondly Schmeling is said to not only have given financial aid to a struggling Joe Louis, but to have actually paid for Louis's funeral. Earning at least this writers everlasting respect.

Schmeling fought some after the war then promoted Coca-Cola in Germany. He was quite successful in business garnering considerable wealth. His recent passing is a major milestone in Boxing history.