Sad to lose Max Schmeling from Germany, who didn't quite make the century. I never met Max, but felt I knew him personally after correspondence for around 40 years.
Max would always sign any autographs and always forwarded photos back, duly signed.
The only risk I took a few years back, when Max was getting on in years, I sent my prized Joe Louis autographed photo to Germany for Max to put his signature alongside Joe Louis.
I sent him some US Dollar bills for postage and after about 3 months I thought I had lost the photo.
Imagine my surprise when it duly arrived addressed: New Zealand, U.S.A. The letter had gone to America as Max probably thought New Zealand was a state of U.S.A.
Anyway I took a gamble and it payed off. I know Max was always good to Joe Louis. When Joe fell on hard times Max would go to the USA and give Joe a cheque. I know he did this several times.
Max was head of the German Coca Cola industry and a very successful businessman. Max shot to fame with his 12 round KO of Joe Louis in 1936.
Previous to that he became Heavyweight Champion of the World in 1930 for the vacant crown winning by a foul in the fourth, against Jack Sharkey.
He held the crown till 1932 when Jack Sharkey beat him on points in New York. He had 70 bouts for 56 wins.
