Bragging Rights Corner pays humble tribute to one of boxing's greatest heroes, Joe Barrow Louis as we celebrate what would have been his 88th birthday this May 13, 2002. We wish to thank Miss Joyce Louis-Barrow, the Brown Bomber's beautiful daughter for her support and for her touching contribution. We also owe special thanks to Jeff Mayweather for spearheading this effort. To all our boxing friends who took the time to express what Joe Louis meant to them, we extend our sincere thanks. We hope you enjoy the articles we have put together with great love for Joe and for the sport he represented so well. Please join us as we celebrate the life and times of Joe Louis-Barrow, a true American hero.  ~~~~~~Click on the gloves to read these articles~~~~~   "JOE LOUIS AN AMERICAN HERO...GREAT DAD" ...   by Joyce Louis-Barrow "Before Ali could float like a butterfly, Mike Tyson could become the youngest heavyweight champion, even before Jackie Robinson could break any color barrier Joe Louis showed White America what it was like to truly be not just an American, but an American Hero." "THE RESURGENCE OF AN ICON" ... by Jeff Mayweather "His tenure as champion was very long-standing and it had major significance; he uplifted his race of people...When I think of Joe Louis now, I think of the man and what he stood for, not just his accomplishments in the ring..." WHAT DOES JOE LOUIS MEAN TO YOU? A compilation of answers to this question by some of our boxing friends. "FORGET ABOUT JOE?"  ... by Stanley Weston "It makes good copy to compare a reigning heavyweight champion with Joe Louis - when Joe was in his prime... Of course everybody is entitled to their opinion. But when I think of Joe Louis the fighter I think of that summer night in 1938 when he was out to kill Max Schmeling. If ever a fighter seemed unbeatable, it was Joe Louis during the 2:04 that fight lasted..." "FIRST SHOW" ...  Boxing Illustrated "Joe Louis always did things right - First Class. That's the way he lived. That's the way he fought..." "MANY HAPPY RETURNS" ... by Stephen Jones "He managed to take the time to serve his country in the war years through 1942 and 1946 and was an impeccable ambassador to his country and race; boxing exhibitions world-wide, enhancing moral and spirit within his forces and still returned with the same devastating ambition as he did on the day he was enlisted; a consummate pro.."     Brought to you by Saratogamist copyright 2001-2005