Athletes who died on April 12

Take a focused look at the athletes who passed away on April 12. Dive into curated bios, achievements, and cultural milestones verified by our editors.

• 1981 Joe Louis

  Joe Louis, known as the 'Brown Bomber,' was an American professional boxer who reigned as the world heavyweight champion from 1937 to 1949 and is regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight fighters of all time. [bio]

• 1989 Sugar Ray Robinson

  Sugar Ray Robinson was an American professional boxer considered by many to be the greatest pound-for-pound fighter in boxing history. Renowned for his outstanding combination of speed, power, and skill, he became a world champion in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions. His flamboyant lifestyle and charisma made him a significant figure in American culture during the 1940s and 1950s. [bio]