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

The Dominant Season of the 1986 New York Mets
After winning the World Series in 1969 and the National League Pennant in 1973,

Traditional Bookmakers vs. Modern Sportsbook Apps: What’s Changed for Bettors?
Credit Eslam Mohammed Abdelmaksoud via Pexels.com Sports betting has changed considerably over the past

Coming Back for the Ball in the 1970s
One of the important duties for any wide receiver in the sport of football

A look at the evolution of the NCAA College Basketball bracket
Every March, the NCAA tournament becomes a national discussion. Each upset seems personal in

Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe 2026: horses, history and what to watch
Few races in world horse racing carry the prestige of the Prix de l’Arc

From Box Scores to Live Data: How Fans Follow Sport
The games have changed less than you might think. A touchdown in 1970 counts

6 Best Places to Buy a Golf Simulator Projector: A 2026 Buyer’s Guide for Serious Home-Simulator Builds
Photo by A n v e s h on Unsplash The projector feeding your

The Epsom Derby Runnings That Made Racing History
The Derby was first run at Epsom Downs in 1780 and remains the most