On June 28, 1939, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, world heavyweight champion Joe Louis faced challenger “Two-Tone” Tony Galento. Louis, known as “The Brown Bomber,” had won the heavyweight title two years earlier by defeating Jimmy Braddock in eight rounds.
At the time of the fight, Louis was considered one of the greatest heavyweight champions in history, known for his powerful combinations and precise punches.
Gallent was known for his toughness and colorful personality. He weighed 233 pounds, stood at 5 feet 9 inches, and was a powerful puncher. His unique nickname “Two-Tone” came from a story about delivering two tons of ice when he arrived late to a game.
Galento was a fierce and unorthodox fighter, often resorting to dirty tactics in the ring. His confrontational personality led to insults directed at Louis, which fueled the tension leading up to the fight. Louis, in turn, developed a strong dislike for Galento.
The fight saw Louis dominating early rounds with his speed and precision, causing extensive damage to Galento’s face. Despite a knockdown from Galento in the third round, Louis rallied and unleashed a barrage of devastating punches, ultimately leading to the referee stopping the fight in the fourth round.
After their intense battle, Louis and Galento developed a friendship. Louis went on to defend his title 25 times, a record that stands to this day. He held the title for nearly 12 years, making him one of the most dominant champions in boxing history. Galento’s colorful personality extended beyond the ring, as he once confronted comedian Jackie Gleason in a memorable encounter.
In 2005, Joe Louis was named the greatest heavyweight champion of all time by the International Boxing Research Organization (IBRO).
