Boxing Only


83 years ago

Joe Louis vs Buddy Baer II

Date: 9th January 1942

Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, USA

Title: World Heavyweight Title

Promoter: Mike Jacobs

Referee: Frank Fullam

Joe Louis
( 51 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 206½ lbs

Buddy Baer
( 59 - 6 - 0 )
Weight: 250 lbs


In an electrifying display of power and precision, Joe Louis, weighing in at 207 pounds, defended his World Heavyweight Championship for the 20th time by knocking out the formidable Buddy Baer, who tipped the scales at 250 pounds, in the first round. This historic bout occurred on January 9, 1942, at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City, underscoring Louis' dominance in the ring and his enduring legacy as one of boxing's greatest champions.

The anticipation of the fight was palpable, with Louis entering the ring as a 6-1 betting favourite. The stakes were high, not only for the competitors but also for a noble cause, as the bout served as a benefit for the Navy Relief Fund, raising a total of $89,092.01. Demonstrating their generosity and patriotism, Louis donated his net cut of $47,100.94, promoter Mike Jacobs contributed his net profit of $37,229.96, and Baer gave one-sixth of his purse, amounting to $4,081.11.

The crowd of 16,689 spectators, fully aware of both fighters' power, was buzzing with excitement. However, what transpired in the ring was a testament to Louis' unparalleled skill and devastating punch power. Louis unleashed a barrage of punches from the opening bell that Baer struggled to answer. The climax came at 2:56 of the first round when Louis knocked Baer down for the third time, leading to a count-out and securing a knockout victory.

This victory was not just another notch on Louis' belt; it demonstrated his commitment to excellence and ability to rise to the occasion under challenging circumstances. Before the fight, Louis' trainer, Jack Blackburn, who was battling arthritis and a weak heart, expressed concern about his ability to accompany Louis to the ring. Ever the reassuring champion, Louis promised Blackburn that he would make quick work of Baer, a promise he delivered with devastating efficiency.

The knockout was so swift and decisive that it became an instant classic in the annals of boxing history. Jack Guenther of the United Press famously wrote, "Buddy Baer came in at 250 and went out at 2:56," capturing the essence of Louis' remarkable victory.

Adding to the drama surrounding the fight was Baer's involvement in a car accident on Christmas Eve 1941. Despite suffering facial scratches and bruises, Baer's participation in the bout was not jeopardised, as his injuries were deemed minor. However, the accident led to a $36,000 damage lawsuit against Baer and others, adding a layer of personal challenge as he prepared to face the heavyweight champion.

This bout marked the end of Baer's fighting career, but the legal battle stemming from the car accident lingered, culminating in a 1949 trial where neither party received compensation. Despite these outside-the-ring challenges, the focus remains on the remarkable event at Madison Square Garden, where Joe Louis once again proved why he was a true champion, inside and outside the ring.


Joe Louis vs Buddy Baer 2 on YouTube


Joe Louis vs Buddy Baer 2



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