On 30 August 1937 Joe Louis beat Tommy Farr in 15 rounds for the heavyweight world boxing title.

Born on 12 March 1913 in Clydach Vale, Rhondda, Wales, Tommy Farr is considered to be one of the greatest Heavy Weight boxers in Britain.

In 1937 the “The Tonypandy Terror” met Joe Louis, “The Brown Bomber”. Today Louis is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential boxers of all time. 

Louis and Farr finally fought at New York’s Yankee Stadium before a crowd of approximately 32,000. Louis fought one of the hardest battles of his life. The bout was closely contested and went the entire 15 rounds, with Louis being unable to knock Farr down.

Referee Arthur Donovan was even seen shaking Farr’s hand after the bout, in apparent congratulation. Nevertheless, after the score was announced, Louis had won a controversial unanimous decision.

 Time described the scene thus:

“After collecting the judges’ votes, referee Arthur Donovan announced that Louis had won the fight on points. The crowd of 50,000 … amazed that Farr had not been knocked out or even knocked down, booed the decision”.

Joe Louis reigned as the world heavyweight champion from 1937 until his temporary retirement in 1949 – the longest single reign as champion of any boxer in history.