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22nd June

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1937: Louis becomes champ


Joe Louis wastes few punches and fewer words in becoming heavyweight champ by knocking out Jim Braddock on June 22, 1937. Louis was the first African-American heavyweight champion in 22 years and had been denied earlier title shots because of his race. Already a hero to African-Americans everywhere, he became a hero to all Americans when he defeated former champion Max Schmeling exactly one year after beating Braddock. Nazis had hailed the German Schmeling as the ideal Aryan specimen, and Louis's victory over him was celebrated across the United States. His was the longest heavyweight reign in history: he won 25 title fights over nearly 12 years.

1990

Freed South African ANC leader Nelson Mandela addresses the United Nations during a trip to New York.

1986

The 'Hand of God' football match. England are beaten 2-1 by Argentina in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Mexico. Both Argentine goals are scored by Diego Maradona - the first with the deliberate use of his hand which went unseen by the referee. It was the first match between the two countries since the Falklands War in 1982.

1973

Skylab I astronauts return safely to earth after spending a record 28 days aboard the first United States' space station orbiting the earth.

1941

World War II: The beginning of Operation Barbarossa - the German invasion of Russia.

1940

World War II: France capitulates and accepts the armistice terms proposed by Germany.

1921

Opening of the first Parliament in Ulster.

1911

In London, the coronation of George V of England and Queen Mary.

1896

Italian engineer and inventor Marconi patents the wireless (radio).

1815

Abdication of Napoleon Bonaparte as Emperor of France - four days after losing the Battle of Waterloo.

1772

Emancipation of all slaves in Britain and British colonies.

1377

At the age of 10, Richard II becomes King of England following the death of Edward III.

1959

British stunt motorcyclist Eddie Kidd.

1949

American film actress Meryl Streep.

1949

American film actress Meryl Streep.

1936

American singer/actor Kris Kristofferson.

1932

English actress Prunella Scales.

1906

Austrian-born film director Billy Wilder.

1898

German-born writer Erich Maria Remarque - author of All Quiet On The Western Front - born in Osnabruck. Becomes a US citizen in 1939.

1856

English novelist Henry Rider Haggard born in Norfolk.

1996

Australian cricketer Ray Lindwall.

1987

American actor/dancer Fred Astaire aged 88.

1980

Musician Bert Kaemphert.

1969

American film actress,dancer and singer Judy Garland found dead in her flat in London aged 47.

1965

Film producer David Selnick, aged 63.

1956

English writer and poet Walter De La Mare aged 83.

1527

Italian politician and diplomat Niccolo Machiavelli.