American Experience

The Fight

On June 22, 1938, 70,000 fans crammed into Yankee Stadium to watch what some have called "the most important sporting event in history" — the rematch between African American heavyweight Joe Louis and his German opponent Max Schmeling.

Trailer | The Fight | American Experience

30s

Theirs was a rivalry that would draw in two nations inching closer to war, and take the measure of two men — German Max Schmeling and American Joe Louis, who had been fighting all their lives.

Previews + Extras

  • Chapter 1 | The Fight: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Chapter 1 | The Fight

    S17 E11 - 9m 43s

    June 22, 1938. Though the Great Depression rages and war looms, the eyes of the world are on Yankee Stadium in New York where, beneath threatening skies, German Max Schmeling and American Joe Louis are squaring off for the heavyweight championship of the world.

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