His opponent was the towering titan Buddy Baer (57-7-2, 53 KOs). At 6’7”, he loomed over 6 ½ inches over Louis. Baer had previously fought Louis for the title in 1941 and had pushed him to ...

Explained Referee Donovan: “Joe Louis hit Buddy Baer at the bell—and not afterward. . . . Suppose—as some claim, but with whom I absolutely do not agree—that Louis hit Baer after the bell.

Since he knocked out Heavyweight Buddy Baer in exactly 2 min. 56 sec., Joe Louis kept his title, but his purse (40% of the gate) went to the New York Auxiliary of the Navy Relief Society.