This day in history

Joe Louis wastes few punches and fewer words in becoming heavyweight champ by knocking out Jim Braddock on 22 June, 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.

In Britain, the government confirms that the murderers of toddler James Bulger will be released on completion of their jail sentence. 
 

After nearly 15 years of civil war, opposing factions in Angola agree to a ceasefire. 

In New York, Mark Chapman pleads guilty to killing John Lennon.

Charon, a satellite of the planet Pluto, is discovered.
 

The beginning of Operation Barbarossa - the German invasion of Russia.

France capitulates and accepts the armistice terms proposed by Germany.

The coronation of George V of England and Queen Mary takes place in London. 

 

After spending a winter trapped by ice in present-day Hudson Bay, the starving crew of the Discovery mutinies against its captain, English navigator Henry Hudson, and sets him, his teenage son, and seven supporters adrift in a small, open boat. Hudson and the eight others are never seen again.