Joe Louis losses

Over 17 years as a professional, Joe Louis compiled a 66-3 (52) record, including 28 title fights. He had three losses, one of them in a title fight.

1. 3. Joe Louis loses to Rocky Marciano via KO

   On October 26, 1951 Joe Louis faced Rocky Marciano. Louis was 37 years old with a record of 66-2, and Marciano was 28 with a record of 37-0. Louis was on a 8-fight winning streak and Marciano was on an undefeated 37-fight winning streak. Marciano stopped Louis via TKO in the 8th round. Lasted into the 8th round.

2. 2. Joe Louis loses to Ezzard Charles via unanimous decision

   On September 27, 1950 Joe Louis fought Ezzard Charles for the NBA heavyweight title. Louis was 36 years old with a record of 58-1, and Charles was 29 with a record of 66-5-1. Louis was on a 34-fight winning streak and Charles was on a 19-fight winning streak. Louis lost via unanimous decision. Failed to capture the title. Went the distance with Charles.

3. 1. Joe Louis loses to Max Schmeling via KO

   On June 19, 1936 Joe Louis faced Max Schmeling in a heavyweight bout. Louis was 22 years old with a record of 24-0, and Schmeling was 30 with a record of 48-7-4. Louis was on an undefeated 24-fight winning streak and Schmeling was on a 3-fight winning streak. Schmeling stopped Louis via KO in the 12th round. Lasted into the 12th round.