Brown, Natie

Nate Brown

Brown was a professional heavyweight for over two decades and faced the great Joe Louis twice during his career. In his autobiography, Joe Louis: My Life, Louis called Brown "...a hard fighter." The second bout occurred in 1937 and was witnessed by promoter Mike Jacobs; Jacobs brought Louis to New York soon after, where he was an instant success and world champ later that year.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. March 2, 1910 - d. June 24, 1991

Career Highlights:
Brown began his professional career as a heavyweight in 1928 and fought future world champion Max Baer the following year. The two young heavyweights (Brown was 19 and Baer was 20) met in Oakland, California on November 6 and battled to a six-round no decision. Three years later, Brown defeated contender "Two Ton" Tony Galento in a 10-round decision, but lost a decision to light-heavyweight champ Maxie Rosenbloom in a non-title bout. In October 1932, Brown had a rematch with Galento, was outweighed by 25 pounds (Brown was 210) and was knocked out at 1:42 of the first round.

Later in the 1930s, Brown twice faced the great Joe Louis, the most revered of heavyweight champions. The first time, in March 1935 in Louis' hometown of Detroit, was Louis' second year as a professional. After dropping Brown in the first round, Louis bruised and battered him the entire fight and Natie never challenged him. Brown lost the 10-round decision, although lasting the entire fight was a notable feat, as few opponents went the distance against the awesome Brown Bomber; the victory raised Louis to the top of the heavyweight contenders. The two heavyweights fought again in February 1937, and Louis knocked Brown out in the fourth round. Louis won the title four months later. Brown fought until 1949, but also competed professionally as a wrestler in the 1940s and 1950s.

Origin:
Washington, D.C.

Career Statistics:
Professional record:
Wins: 56 (21 by knockout)
Losses: 17
Draws: 9
No decisions: 2

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