This day in NY sports history

THIS DAY IN NY SPORTS HISTORY

Friday, Feb. 9, 1940

Joe Louis defends title at MSG

Heavyweight champion Joe Louis went 15 rounds in a title defense against Chilean star Arturo Godoy at Madison Square Garden. The two ringside judges split their decisions and the tie was broken by the referee, who awarded the win to Louis. In 22 title defenses from 1938 to 1946, Godoy was the only opponent to last 15 rounds with Louis. The two had a rematch five months later and Louis won that bout with an eighth-round knockout.