84 years ago

Date: 9th February 1940

Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, USA

Title: World Heavyweight Title

Promoter: Twentieth Century S.C. - Mike Jacobs

Joe Louis
( 40 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 203 lbs

Arturo Godoy
( 54 - 10 - 7 )
Weight: 202 lbs

On February 9, 1940, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, boxing fans witnessed another chapter unfold in the career of Joe Louis, the  World Heavyweight Champion who defended his title for the ninth time. Facing off against Arturo Godoy in a highly anticipated rematch, Louis emerged victorious in a bout that would be remembered for its contentious decision.

From the outset, it was evident that both fighters were determined to leave everything in the ring. Louis, the reigning champion, stepped into the ring as the favourite, carrying the weight of expectation on his shoulders. Meanwhile, Godoy sought to prove himself against the formidable Louis.

The fight went the distance, with both men exchanging blows relentlessly throughout the fifteen rounds. Louis showcased his trademark power and precision, landing significant punches that rocked his opponent. However, Godoy, known for his resilience and tenacity, refused to back down, engaging Louis in fierce exchanges in the centre of the ring.

As the final bell rang, the outcome hung in the balance. The judges' scorecards reflected the difficulty in scoring the contest, with differing opinions on who had emerged victorious. In a split decision, Joe Louis was declared the winner, retaining his title in a hard-fought battle.

The verdict was met with mixed reactions from the crowd, with some expressing disappointment at the decision. However, many observers, including reporters from reputable publications, deemed the outcome fair, acknowledging the relentless effort put forth by both fighters.

Reflecting on the gruelling encounter, Louis himself acknowledged the challenges he had faced, describing it as "the worst fight I ever had." On the other hand, Godoy, while expressing his belief that he had done enough to win, accepted the decision with grace, stating, "Certainly, I should get no worse than a draw."

Scores: Arthur Donovan 10-5 | George LeCron 10-4 | Tommy Shortell 5-10.