Most observers viewed Schmeling as a fading former champion. The German veteran was 30 years old and had lost his heavyweight crown several years earlier. Installed as a 10-1 underdog, he was considered little more than Louis’ final test before a title opportunity.

What separated Schmeling from Louis that night was preparation.

Long before film study became standard practice in boxing, Schmeling carefully analyzed footage of his opponent. He identified a tendency in Louis’ technique that he believed could be exploited. After throwing his jab, Louis would sometimes bring his left hand back low, leaving a potential opening for a right-hand counter.

Using a steady jab to create openings, Schmeling repeatedly landed right hands behind it. In the fourth round, he dropped Louis for the first time in his professional career.

As the fight wore on, Louis was unable to make the adjustments needed to turn the tide. Schmeling’s timing, patience, and accuracy steadily broke down the heavily favored contender.

By the 12th round, Schmeling was comfortably ahead. He landed a crushing right hand to the body, followed by another to the jaw, sending Louis to the canvas near his corner. Referee Arthur Donovan counted him out, giving Schmeling a victory over the previously unbeaten Louis.

The defeat ended Louis’ unbeaten record and gave Schmeling one of the biggest victories of his career. Louis would later recover from the setback and continue his climb toward a world-title opportunity.

The rivals met again in 1938, but on June 19, 1936, it was Schmeling who left Yankee Stadium with a victory over the heavily favored contender.