Boxer Max Schmeling Dead at 99

(Berlin, Germany) Former world heavyweight boxing champion and legendary German sports icon Max Schmeling died Wednesday at his home in Hollenstedt. He was 99 and no cause of death was specified.

In 1936, he was the pride of Germany when he scored a knockout of Joe Louis in the 12th Round of a championship bout. Two years later, Louis flattened Schmeling in the 1st Round in a championship bout in Yankee Stadium. That put him on the outs with the Nazis and Schmeling was happier for it. He remained friends with Louis throughout his life.

Schmeling retired from boxing with a lifetime record of 56-10-4 with 39 knockouts.

Rest in peace.