My father was in the navy in WWII. He was drafted. The thing he talked about most from that experience was becoming the Pacific Fleet boxing champion. He claims to have beaten Walt Hafer, the only man to beat Joe Louis as an amateur. I've never had the courage to research it, but it seems highly unlikely. Hafer did fight Louis as a pro in what amounted to an exhibition fight, but he certainly didn't beat him. Still, I have not bothered to research Louis's amateur bouts. I don't know if Hafer was in the navy, either. It was a different world, then. It wasn't as easy to verify or debunk. I think there were a lot more heros.
I found this photo of Hafer on the internet. I'm pretty sure my dad could have taken him.
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