This day in NY sports history

THIS DAY IN NY SPORTS HISTORY

Thursday, June 12, 1930

Schmeling wins at Yankee Stadium

Max Schmeling was awarded the world heavyweight boxing championship after taking a low blow - the first time the title had been won on a foul. Jack Sharkey had been in control for most of the fight, but a punch below the belt dropped the German late in the fourth round. Referee Jim Crowley consulted with the ring judge and determined that Sharkey's punch was indeed a low blow. The transgression resulted in Sharkey's disqualification and left many of the 80,000 fans at Yankee Stadium disappointed. Schmeling, 24, became the first European to win the heavyweight title, which had been vacated after Gene Tunney retired.