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
Unraveling Legends: A Historical Review of the NFL’s Greatest Quarterbacks
The National Football League (NFL) has been a cornerstone of American sports culture since
Minnesota’s Most Winnable Super Bowl (IX)
Every pro football fan knows that the Minnesota Vikings went to four Super Bowls
Boxing Titles: Close But No Cigar
In this episode, I am going to be focusing on several boxers who had
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
Super Bowl XXII (Broncos vs. Redskins): An Ultimate Recount of the Game
Today we have Super Bowl XXII, which was held on January 31, 1988, between
1971 Dallas Cowboys: Their First Lombardi Victory
Year after year my brother and I waited for our favorite team, the Dallas
Lenny Sachs: Basketball Hall of Famer’s Forgotten NFL Record
Back in the very early days of the National Football League, many of the
Blackjack Mulligan: The Meanest Outlaw In The Ring
I think I was eleven, lying on my stomach watching the TV. Black and