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Story
November 28, 1948
Atlanta Daily World
Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia
What is this article about?
Joe Louis showcased his boxing prowess in an exhibition against Jimmy Williams at Kiel Auditorium in St. Louis on November 23, easily controlling the fight over four rounds despite visible signs of aging and slower movements.
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Louis
Shows
Fistic
Wares
In St. Louis
ST. LOUIS-(NNPA)-As boxing exhibitions go, Joe Louis, heavyweight champion of the world, gave a crowd of 7,500 persons a show at Kiel Auditorium Tuesday night, November 23, as he toyed with Jimmy Williams (Kid Riviera) through four two-minute rounds, with the contestants wearing 14 ounce gloves.
Louis also had sponge rubber taped over his knuckles, which further reduced his punching power and at the same time protected him from a hand injury. And it was just as well for Williams, for the champion, at times, let go with lefts and rights which would have been extremely unpleasant except for the padding of Joe's fists.
The champion, however, shows the effects of time. He is now a pudgy gentleman with the tell-tale inner tube around his middle. He bulges over his trunks at the waist line and his legs are thick and heavy. His movements are slow and not the cat-like motions spectators have been accustomed to seeing through the years.
Williams attempted, occasionally, to test the champion, with hard punches, but Louis put him in his place quickly. The two men disdained the use of the customary stools in their corner and stood between rounds. Neither wore a headgear and the performance was strictly an exhibition, as advertised.
Shows
Fistic
Wares
In St. Louis
ST. LOUIS-(NNPA)-As boxing exhibitions go, Joe Louis, heavyweight champion of the world, gave a crowd of 7,500 persons a show at Kiel Auditorium Tuesday night, November 23, as he toyed with Jimmy Williams (Kid Riviera) through four two-minute rounds, with the contestants wearing 14 ounce gloves.
Louis also had sponge rubber taped over his knuckles, which further reduced his punching power and at the same time protected him from a hand injury. And it was just as well for Williams, for the champion, at times, let go with lefts and rights which would have been extremely unpleasant except for the padding of Joe's fists.
The champion, however, shows the effects of time. He is now a pudgy gentleman with the tell-tale inner tube around his middle. He bulges over his trunks at the waist line and his legs are thick and heavy. His movements are slow and not the cat-like motions spectators have been accustomed to seeing through the years.
Williams attempted, occasionally, to test the champion, with hard punches, but Louis put him in his place quickly. The two men disdained the use of the customary stools in their corner and stood between rounds. Neither wore a headgear and the performance was strictly an exhibition, as advertised.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Biography
What themes does it cover?
Triumph
Misfortune
What keywords are associated?
Joe Louis
Boxing Exhibition
Heavyweight Champion
St Louis
Jimmy Williams
Aging Fighter
What entities or persons were involved?
Joe Louis
Jimmy Williams (Kid Riviera)
Where did it happen?
St. Louis, Kiel Auditorium
Story Details
Key Persons
Joe Louis
Jimmy Williams (Kid Riviera)
Location
St. Louis, Kiel Auditorium
Event Date
Tuesday Night, November 23
Story Details
Joe Louis, heavyweight champion, dominated Jimmy Williams in a four-round exhibition boxing match with padded gloves, demonstrating his skill while revealing signs of aging such as slower movements and weight gain.