Joe Louis (May 13, 1914 - April 12, 1981) was an African-American professional boxer and the World Heavyweight Champion from 1937-49. He made 25 defenses of his Heavyweight title. In 2005, Louis was ranked as the #1 heavyweight of all-time by the International Boxing Research Organization, and was ranked #1 on The Ring's list of the 100 Greatest Punchers of All-Time. He is widely regarded as the first African-American to achieve the status of a nationwide hero.