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
G.O.A.T Debates: Who Were The Greatest NFL Players Of All-Time?
Is it just me? Is anyone else getting tired of the endless debates about
The Greatest Thanksgiving Game In Pro Football History (1974 Cowboys vs. Redskins)
There have been some really great pro football Thanksgiving Day games throughout the course
Bears vs. Cardinals: NFL’s Oldest Rivalry
It began over 100 years ago. An intense rivalry between two NFL teams like
Super Bowl XXIV (Broncos vs. 49ers): An Ultimate Recount of the Game
Today we have Super Bowl XXIV, which was held on January 28, 1990, at
Washington Football History: With Frank Reading
Frank Reading (host of Ringside With Reading: Boxing History From Yesteryear) hops in my
How Sports Fandom Became a 24/7 Digital Spectacle
Once, being a fan meant showing up on game day and turning off once
Stories From The Ring: Controversies During Fights
In this segment, I am going to discuss controversies that occurred in or during
Chicago Bears’ Ed Sprinkle: The Meanest Man In Football!!!
He was known for his clothesline tackles, his less than courteous activity underneath the