The Neutral Corner

BY MARCUS HENRY

Joe Louis was called a lot of things in his life. The Brown Bomber, the Chocolate Soldier, just to name a few. He is also referred to by many observers as the greatest heavyweight boxing champion who ever lived. You won't get an argument here.

But what seems to be missing from the numerous phrases and nicknames used to describe him are the words patriot, leader, inspirer. Joe Louis Barrow was all of the above and then some. He was as influential in the boxing ring as he was out of it. Check out his bouts with Max Schmeling, Billy Conn and Jersey Joe Walcott. Those three opponents bought out the best and worst in Louis the fighter. Read up on his enlistment in the army. He gave up several years of his life to help the troops defend his country in World War II.

Another little known fact about Louis was his affinity for golf. Louis, who was introduced to the game by legendary talk-show host Ed Sullivan, became the first African American to play in the San Diego Open, which was a PGA Tour event. Louis was more than just a boxer. But after the spotlight dimmed, his troubles began.

I was invited to a special screening of an HBO Sports documentary about Louis on Tuesday - "Joe Louis: America's Hero...Betrayed." It will premier at Saturday night February 23 on HBO at 8 p.m. Right before the Klitschko-Ibragimov heavyweight unification bout.

As documentaries go, it was second to none. HBO did an excellent job chronicling both sides of Louis' life. The good times and the bad. It followed his marvelous fighting career as well as his battle with the IRS toward the end of his life. It included commentary from his son, Joe Louis Barrow Jr., Bill Cosby, Jerry Lewis, several close friends and numerous boxing historians and writers.

This is a must-see event for boxing and non-boxing fans.