Boxing Towel

Description
Heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis (1914–1981) lost his first bout with Nazi Germany's champion Max Schmeling in 1936, but the return match was a triumph for America. This towel was thrown in by Schmeling's handlers at Yankee Stadium, New York City, June 22, 1938, where Louis pummeled his opponent in the first round. Enforcing a boxing rule that seconds cannot stop a fight, referee Arthur Donovan then threw it out. The towel was thrown in again during the first round, giving Louis the victory in two minutes and four seconds. The story of the fight was later embroidered on the towel.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1930s
date of the fight
1938-06-22
referenced
Schmeling, Max
Louis, Joe
Physical Description
cotton (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 22 in x 9 in; 55.88 cm x 22.86 cm
location of the fight
United States: New York, New York
ID Number
1980.0683.05
accession number
1980.0683
catalog number
1980.0683.05
subject
Sports & Leisure
Boxing
See more items in
Culture and the Arts: Sport and Leisure
Data Source
National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center

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