The former champion used preparation, timing and a right-hand counter to hand Louis his first professional defeat on June 19, 1936

Ninety years ago today, Max Schmeling produced one of boxing’s greatest upsets, knocking out unbeaten heavyweight contender Joe Louis in the 12th round at Yankee Stadium. The victory handed Louis the first loss of his professional career and remains one of the sport’s most studied tactical performances.

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The bout was scheduled for 15 rounds and attracted a packed crowd to the Bronx, while an estimated 70 million listeners followed the action by radio. Louis entered the ring with a perfect 24-0 record and 21 knockouts. At just 22 years old, the “Brown Bomber” had become one of the sport’s brightest stars and was widely expected to challenge for the world heavyweight title in the near future.

Most observers viewed Schmeling as a fading former champion. The German veteran was 30 years old and had lost his heavyweight crown several years earlier. Installed as a 10-1 underdog, he was considered little more than Louis’ final test before a title opportunity.

What separated Schmeling from Louis that night was preparation.

Long before film study became standard practice in boxing, Schmeling carefully analyzed footage of his opponent. He identified a tendency in Louis’ technique that he believed could be exploited. After throwing his jab, Louis would sometimes bring his left hand back low, leaving a potential opening for a right-hand counter.

Using a steady jab to create openings, Schmeling repeatedly landed right hands behind it. In the fourth round, he dropped Louis for the first time in his professional career.

As the fight wore on, Louis was unable to make the adjustments needed to turn the tide. Schmeling’s timing, patience, and accuracy steadily broke down the heavily favored contender.

By the 12th round, Schmeling was comfortably ahead. He landed a crushing right hand to the body, followed by another to the jaw, sending Louis to the canvas near his corner. Referee Arthur Donovan counted him out, giving Schmeling a victory over the previously unbeaten Louis.

The defeat ended Louis’ unbeaten record and gave Schmeling one of the biggest victories of his career. Louis would later recover from the setback and continue his climb toward a world-title opportunity.

The rivals met again in 1938, but on June 19, 1936, it was Schmeling who left Yankee Stadium with a victory over the heavily favored contender.