The world did not need this war. It happened in the ring.

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Sports sometimes accidentally leave their mark on historical events that changed the world. Sometimes it just foreshadows what is to come. In both cases, the example of the fight between Joe Lewis and Max Schleming is relevant. A duel between friends who become enemies between the ropes of the boxing ring. A duel that left a mark in the history of boxing and the world.

The year is 1938. The greatest military conflict in human history will be born in less than 12 months. The opposition of race, birthmark, religion and nationality is inevitable according to the powerful of the day. Against the backdrop of the most significant historical event to change the world, the rivalry between two seemingly different boxers is riveting to find its rightful place in history.

In one corner stands Joe Lewis. A black boxer from the cotton fields. Known for his fist strength and the nickname "the black bomber". He fixed his gaze on his opponent - Max Schlemming. His name alone suggests that he is the pride of the Aryan race. A cold German whose personality became associated with Hitler himself over the years. The two have met in the ring once. After the 12th round knockout, Schleming is happy. The second battle in 1938 in effect, it was a prelude to the socio-military conflict that was soon to overtake the world. The most successful black fighter, the pride of his race in a rematch against the embodiment of Nazism, the bearer of what were then considered the purest racial marks. No, this is not a battle between good and evil. This is the humorous and even slightly ironic intervention of sports in the history of the world.

The titanic collision takes place on June 22. Joe Lewis is the heavyweight champion of the world. The place Yankee Stadium in New York. 70,000 people buy the tickets instantly. The bout grossed $1,015,012 (equivalent to $18.4 million in 2019). The gong strikes. Two minutes and four seconds after the start, Lewis takes revenge. A flurry of shots-41 caught up with Schmeling, who managed to land just two. The German was hospitalized with several cracked vertebrae in his back. Claims for illegal hits followed, which were not upheld. The audience cheers.

A battle steeped in political undertones suggests to the world that the nascent conflict is unnecessary. There should be no division. Lewis's message was sent but went unheard.

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