Joe Louis, known affectionately as the “Brown Bomber,” had reigned as heavyweight champion from 1934 to 1951 and was victorious in 25 title defenses overall, a record second only to Julio César Chávez’s 27. In 2005, the International Boxing Research Organization ranked Louis as the best heavyweight of all time while The Ring magazine lists Louis number one on their list of the "100 greatest punchers of all time."

     Offered is an extremely rare photograph of the champ during one of his training sessions during the 1930s, most likely during his early run as heavyweight champion. This black and white photograph measures 7 x 9 inches and shows Louis using a pully system with him leaning over and his left hand, while holding the rope, is touching his left foot. Both of his hands are heavily taped in white and he’s looking directly into the camera. The photograph only displays minor edge and corner wear and is otherwise excellent condition.

     Stamped in black on the back of the photograph is “PHOTO BY ACME NEWSPICTURES, Inc. CHICAGO BUREAU TRIBUNE TOWER, CHICAGO, ILL PLEASE CREDIT “ACME” THIS PICTURE IS SOLD TO YOU FOR YOUR PUBLICATION ONLY AND MUST NOT BE LOANED, SYNDICATED OR USED FOR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM US.” Also handwritten in pencil on the back of the photograph on the right side and written with the photo turned “Joe Louis whirlwind prizefighter in training.” Also stamped on the back in red are marks from the United Press International’s “COMMERICIAL PHOTOGRAPHY DIVISION”. This photograph has been encapsulated by PSA/DNA and has been classified as a Type I photograph (1P04357).

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