Joe Louis (1914-1981) Heavyweight Champion. Louis became boxing's heavyweight champion with his defeat of James J. Braddock in 1937. Nicknamed the "Brown Bomber," his knockout of Germany's Max Schmeling in 1938 made him a national hero, and he established a record by retaining the championship for nearly 12 years. 4 ¾” x 4 ¼” black and white photograph, in military uniform, signed. The photograph has been mounted.