Joe Louis Crushes Tami Mauriello After Early Scare

On September 18, 1946, heavyweight champion Joe Louis defeated challenger Tami Mauriello by knockout in the first round at Yankee Stadium. Mauriello briefly shook the champion early with a powerful right hand to the jaw that knocked Louis back into the ropes. However, Louis quickly recovered during a brief clinch and capitalized on Mauriello's aggressive, unbalanced approach to secure the victory.

Louis dropped Mauriello with a short left hook before finishing the fight with a final combination that sent the challenger to his knees. Referee Arthur Donovan completed the count at 2:09 of the opening round. The victory marked Louis's 23rd heavyweight title defense and his fifth first-round knockout as champion.