How Joe Louis Died: From $5 Million to Broke, The IRS Hunted Him Until Death

Описание: How Joe Louis Died: From $5 Million to Broke, The IRS Hunted Him Until Death

World War II, 1942. Joe Louis donated his entire fight purse to the Army. $100,000 to help defeat the Nazis. America celebrated him as a hero and patriot.
Then the IRS sent him a bill. "Those donations are taxable income. You owe us taxes on money you gave away."
Joe Louis was heavyweight champion for 12 years. 25 title defenses. Defeated Nazi Germany's Max Schmeling. Made $5 million in his career.
The IRS said he owed $1.2 million in back taxes. For donations he made to help his country during war. For 30 years, they hunted him. Took every dollar he earned. Garnished his wages. Seized his assets.
Joe came back to boxing at 36, broke and desperate. Lost to Ezzard Charles. Got knocked out by Rocky Marciano on national television through the ropes. Made $300,000 from his comeback fights. The IRS took it all.
He ended up as a casino greeter in Las Vegas. The heavyweight champion with 25 title defenses working for minimum wage. The IRS garnished those paychecks too.
April 12, 1981. Joe Louis died broke at 66. Wheelchair-bound. Heart attack. The IRS had taken everything for 30 years.
He was buried in Arlington Cemetery with military honors. The same government that honored him in death destroyed him in life.
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