Donald Trump has been asked to give a presidential pardon to a boxing legend who lost every dollar he ever made. The World Boxing Council (WBC) sent a petition to pardon former heavyweight champion Joe Louis over his old tax debts. Louis is considered one of the greatest boxers in history, but his final years were marked by financial struggle.
According to Sportbible, Louis was the heavyweight champion from 1937 to 1949. During that time, he won 25 straight title defenses, which is still a record across all weight classes. He retired in 1949, but the government said he owed more than $500,000 in taxes. This forced him to come back to boxing even though he wanted to stay retired.
In 1950, Louis fought Ezzard Charles at age 36. Only 22,357 people showed up at Yankee Stadium, so he made just over $100,000. He kept fighting to pay off his debts. In 1951, Rocky Marciano knocked him out, which ended his boxing career for good.
Operation Sports App
Your ultimate companion for sports gaming. Access in-depth coverage, thoughtful discussion, and a community built around the games—and sports—you love.
Your ultimate sports gaming companion.
The tax debt followed him until he died
Frank Garza, a close family friend, spoke about Louis’ struggles at a WBC Convention meeting. He said the debt became impossible to pay off. The IRS chased Louis so hard that he had to give them every dollar he earned trying to settle what he owed.
The money problems never went away, even in his final years. Singer Frank Sinatra helped Louis get a job as a greeter at Caesars Palace. He worked there until he died in 1981. Louis spent his last years working just to survive, all because of tax debt from his boxing career. Trump, who has defended his own athletic achievements, now faces this request to honor a true sporting legend.
WBC attorney Robert Lenhardt talked about how important Louis was to American sports. He said Louis helped break down racial barriers in the country. Lenhardt thinks Louis should also get the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest honor an American citizen can receive.
The WBC is asking Trump to pardon Louis and forgive the debt. They also want him to receive the Medal of Freedom. Lenhardt said the WBC hopes to get a signed response soon about whether these requests will be granted. Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister recently defended Trump after criticism of the president, showing continued support from sports figures.
“We are very much looking forward to this great moment of justice,” WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman said.
Published: Dec 4, 2025 04:15 pm