Is it true Joe Louis finished his life alone, sick and without a dollar in the pocket ?

Question

but how ?

Answer 1

It's sadly true. He wasn't a pauper, ... but definitely deeply in debt to the IRS.

Think of the countless millions he would have made in today's world. The heart of a true champion.

Answer 2

Well he was unfairly taxed by the IRS until he was given a pardon some years back after his death. He had to pay James braddock a percentage of his purses for 10 years just so he could get a SHOT at the world title. His sickness was due to Puglist Dementia(punch drunk) and the lack of proper medical care. Remember most boxers during that era fought 6 times a year sometimes and the gloves and medical attention were not of the best quality. As always in boxing your "friends" leave when the money leaves so it it easy to be alone after a while.

Answer 3

Yes. You are right. He got a dirty deal from Uncle Sam. He donated during WW 2 most of his purses to the Navy. In later years he abused cocaine and ended up in a mental hospital. A sad story for such a beloved and classy guy. He died at 66 years of age in 1981 nearly penniless.

Answer 4

Joe one of the greatest heavyweight champs in boxing history, owed over $1 million in taxes.  To bring in money, he appeared on quiz shows and welcomed people to Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.  He developed a friendship with former rival Max Schmeling who offered financial assistance to Louis during this period.  Joe even done some wrestling in the 50's and 60's.  His health began to deteriorate to the point that he needed a wheelchair and he suffered a stroke about a year before he died.  Eventually his heart gave out and he died at the age of 66 in 1981.  President Reagan waived the eligibility rules for burial at Arlington National Cemetery and Joe was buried with full military honors.

I had the honor of seeing the legendary champ when I was stationed in Little Creek, Va at a boxing event there.  The whole place stood up and cheered Joe as he was wheeled in.  This is something I will never forget.

Answer 5

Unfortunately it is true.  Louis was deep in debt to the IRS and after his boxing career ended, he dabbled in professional wrestling and then later in life serving as a greeter at a Las Vegas casino.  

A few people close to Cus D'Mato (Mike Tyson's original mentor) said the only time they ever saw him cry was the day that Joe Louis died.

Answer 6

Unfortunately yes it is. He didn't know anything about paying taxes and racked up millions worth of back taxes. He was also blowing money on stupid things like it would never run out. He started his own baseball team and sent them on an all expenses paid trip to europe. With no money to pay the back taxes interest rates kept going up while he tried to get money to pay it off and his debt soared. He got sick and hurt his spine and was confined to a wheel chair for the rest of his life. He couldn't afford doctor visits or medicine with all his oney being seized by the IRS. So all his money was taken by the IRS and he died still in heavy debt and he couldn't take care of his sickness with no money and it got worse and worse. Also with no fame or money his "friends" left him.

Answer 7

Professional athletes didn't get paid very well back then. Regardless of color all were basically slaves to their promoters. Almost all had to hold second, normal jobs to make a living.

Answer 8

yes joe louis past with out a penny he owed the irs big time dollar so the story goes but i was not there so dont take my word for it and lets remember how he lived heah what a fighter dont you think