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Max Schmeling, who unwittingly became a symbol of Nazi Germany in two dramatic 1930s bouts with American heavyweight boxer Joe Louis, died Wednesday at his home in Hollenstedt, Germany. He was 99. According to his foundation, the former world heavyweight champion was buried Friday after a private ceremony at an undisclosed location. No cause of death was reported. Schmeling's reign as champion had already ended when he agreed to fight the fast-rising Louis in 1936. The German had become the first European heavyweight world champion in 1930. In an elimination bout for the championship at Yankee Stadium, Jack Sharkey hit...

Boxing Legend Max Schmeling Dies at 99 Friday, February 04, 2005 FRANKFURT, Germany — German heavyweight boxer Max Schmeling (search), whose bouts against American Joe Louis (search) set off a propaganda war between the Nazi regime and the United States on the eve of World War II, has died at age 99. The former world champion, one of Germany's biggest sports idols, died Wednesday at his home in Hollenstedt, according to his foundation in Hamburg. No cause of death was given. Schmeling's extraordinary career will be remembered for his two fights with Louis, which produced a lasting bond between the...

BERLIN - German boxing legend Max Schmeling, one of the greatest heavyweight fighters of all time, has died at age 99.