STL All Sports

Before Joe Louis became heavyweight champion, he was sent out on tour across the country meeting a lot of willing but unskillful opponents at the rate of one a week. One of these boxers came to town for his match and was led by his manager to a backstreet hotel before the fight. When they got to their room, the fighter undressed and got into bed.

"I hear this guy Louis is pretty good," he mumbled. "I better get some rest before taking him on."

That evening, he climbed into the ring, touched gloves with the Brown Bomber, and then took a vicious right that sent him to dreamland. After the referee had finished the count, the victim's manager got him dressed and took him back to the hotel.

When they got to the room, the addled boxer began to take off his tie and shirt.

"Whatcha doin'?" asked his manager.

"I hear this guy Louis is pretty good," said the boxer. "If I'm going to take him on tonight, I'd better get some rest!"