Max Schmeling

Adolf Otto Schmeling, Maximilian, "Max", in Germany, was named sportsman of the century, was named after him sports arena in Berlin. This is the only absolute world champion from Germany. He was born September 28, 1905 in Brandenburg.
New Max wore boxing gloves in 1922 at age 17. In 1926 Germany won the championship in boxing (lightweight), in 1927 - the European championship in 1928 - the championship in Germany (heavy weight).

June 12, 1930 Schmeling won the world title in the heavyweight division in New York, defeating the American boxer Jack Sharkey. Jack Sharkey was disqualified in the battle for a low blow and the victory was awarded to lying on the ring Max Schmeling, for what it called "horizontal champion". June 21, 1932 Sharkey deprived Schmeling the title of world champion. June 19, 1936 Schmeling again demonstrated to the world their sport skills by knocking out American champion Joe Louis.

With the advent of the Nazis to power, Schmeling became uncontrollably name used by Nazi propaganda. His sporting achievements hailed as a triumph of Nordics. Since the beginning of 2 nd World War II, Schmeling volunteered for the army. May 20, 1941 he was in the Parachute Regiment took part in the landing on the island of Crete. But the fact is also known as Max Schmeling hid Jewish children in his hotel room.

Throughout his career, Schmeling had 70 fights, 56 of whom won, 10 lost and 4 brought in a draw. He is now one of the most respected veterans of Boxing. Recently, Ukrainian heavyweight Vitali Klitschko, while in the hospital after the injury the shoulder, received from the Max Shleminga flowers and a card with wishes for a speedy recovery.