The 50 Greatest Athletes To Ever Walk The Planet

41. Joe Louis

Image Source: Allsport UK/ALLSport

The power punching heavyweight slugged his way to 66 wins over an illustrious 18-year career. After winning the belt in 1937, Louis would go on to reign as heavyweight champion for nearly 12 years and 25 defenses. The ring wasn’t the only place Louis excelled; he was also an avid golfer that attended many major tournaments. In 1952, he became the first African American to feature in a PGA Tour event when he played in the San Diego Open.