Joe Louis reached an even broader audience. His 25 consecutive heavyweight title defenses remain a division record, but his importance extended beyond the ring. Louis conducted exhibitions during World War II and served in the Army, becoming a national figure at a time when Black athletes faced severe racial barriers.
Sugar Ray Robinson followed as one of boxing’s most admired performers. His speed, combination punching and long career helped establish the standard by which later pound-for-pound greats were judged. Henry Armstrong defeated 16 world champions and once held the featherweight, lightweight and welterweight titles at the same…
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