the relationship with joe lewis and max schemellin,strange?

Question

interested in what people think

Answer 1

Not at all. Politics aside, they were great friends, Max was just in a terrible position. He never was the Nazi monster people wanted to make him out to be, infact his trainer was Jewish and he refused to fire him despite Hitler's dismay. In fact his reluctance got him drafted into the German army and sent on many suicide missions. It is an awesome story, I actually bought a PBS documentary about it. That area was great for boxing and most of the "villians" were just the opposite. If you have seen the "Cinderella Man" movie they portray Max Baer as a ruthless "villian" as well but in real life although he was brought up Catholic he wore a "Star of David" on his trunks and was thought of as a hero to the Jewish people after he beat Max Schmelling.

Modern fueds like Gatti Ward show that friendships can be bonded through fights as Ward accompanied Gatti to the ring several times after they finished battling their third bout.

So the fact that Max helped Joe out financially and even was a pall bearer at his funeral doesn't surprise me at all but makes an excellent story. Oh yeah and how many boxers live to be 99 like Max? Keep the great questions coming Sweetie

Answer 2

When Max Schemilling got a coke franchise he wanted to help Joe Lewis financially. Even Billy Conn tried to do the same. Why because they created personal friendships outside of the ring. They never held it against each other personally, I guess it was a different era then.

Answer 3

a great movie was made called Joe and Max by cable, now I was touched, Joe and Max became and remained friends for the remainder of their life...in fact Max helped pay for Joe's Funeral...