Maximilian Adolph Otto Siegfried Schmeling (September 28, 1905 – February 2, 2005) was a prominent German boxer who held the world heavyweight championship from 1930 to 1932. His career was marked by significant bouts, particularly his two encounters with Joe Louis in 1936 and 1938, which transcended sports and became emblematic of the political tensions of their time. Notably, Schmeling is recognized as the only boxer to ever win the heavyweight title by disqualification.
Schmeling began his professional journey in 1924 and made his way to the United States by 1928. He quickly gained fame following a ninth-round technical knockout victory over Johnny Risko. In 1930, he claimed the vacant heavyweight title after Jack Sharkey was disqualified for a low blow, and successfully defended it against Young Stribling in 1931. However, he lost the title back to Sharkey in a controversial split decision in 1932 and suffered a setback against Max Baer in 1933.
Despite the political climate in Germany under the Nazi regime, Schmeling never aligned himself with the party, although he was often portrayed as a symbol of it. After serving as a paratrooper during World War II, he attempted a comeback but ultimately retired in 1948. Post-boxing, Schmeling worked with The Coca-Cola Company and formed a lasting friendship with Joe Louis. He passed away at 99 years old, leaving behind a legacy as the longest-lived heavyweight champion and a hero in Germany. In 2003, Schmeling was ranked 55 on The Ring magazine's list of the 100 greatest punchers of all time.
