7. Joe Louis
Record: 69-3-0 (57 KOs);
Reigning heavyweight champion from 1937 to 1949
Estimated Career Earnings: $4.6 million
There is a beautiful hockey arena named in Joe Louis’ honor in Detroit. But that’s all that remains of one of the most beloved champs ever. Neither being an American hero for serving in WW II nor his career earnings in the ring could prevent him from going into destitution. And though he made over $4 million during his career, all but $800,000 of that went to his management team and promoter Mike Jacobs. Humiliated, Louis was forced to work a number of odd jobs and even took up a career as a professional wrestler. Later on in life, friends–including his rival Max Schmeling–gave Louis money to ease his financial strain.
