Joe Louis settled an old score on September 20, 1939, knocking out Bob Pastor in the 11th round before 33,868 spectators at Briggs Stadium in Detroit. Pastor had escaped him for 10 rounds two years earlier. Louis made certain that the same tactics would not save him again.
Their first meeting took place at Madison Square Garden on January 29, 1937. Pastor, a former New York University fullback, conceded roughly 25 pounds and was listed as a 10-to-1 underdog. He survived by circling, retreating, and refusing to remain within punching range.
The unanimous decision belonged to Louis, but Pastor celebrated reaching the final bell. Sections o
