July 3, 1931 – A large sporting event pitting a German against an American in between the World Wars ended up being the first major fight broadcast live on national radio. German boxer Max Schmeling defeated American Young Stribling by Technical Knock Out in 15 rounds in a bout fought in Cleveland, Ohio in his first heavyweight title defense.
Schmeling was the heavyweight champion of the world between 1930 and 1932. His two fights with Joe Louis in 1936 and 1938 were worldwide cultural events because of their national impact on the two world powers they represented. Schmeling is in the history books as the only boxer to have ever won the world heavyweight championship on a foul.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network
From Card Tables to Championships: The Lasting Influence of Casinos on Sports History
Casinos have been complex and fascinating actors in sports culture history. From sponsoring high-profile
How Sports Venues Inspired Modern Restaurant Furniture Throughout History
Not many people are aware of the close connection between the design of modern
How Fans Can Celebrate Milestones With Personalised Football Cards
Football is more than just a game; it’s a passionate lifestyle for many fans.
A Closer Look at How Boxing Matches Come Together
Boxing has long been a celebrated sport, steeped in tradition and passion. From the
The Digital Spectator: How Global Broadcast Technology Transformed Indigenous Sports into World-Class Commodities
The 1964 Tokyo Olympics changed Judo, but not because of medals. The Olympics were
Remembering the 1972 Cleveland Browns
How many NFL teams during the 1970s do you remember that lost all six
How the 2025 Iowa Hawkeyes Stack Up to Historic Teams
Few programs in college football carry the kind of gritty tradition that Iowa does.
Defying Destiny: The Most Miraculous League Title Wins in Soccer History
A domestic league championship is often called the truest test in soccer. Unlike the