Fought Joe Louis for the world heavyweight boxing championship on April
17, 1939 in Wrigley Field, Los Angeles, and was knocked out in the
first round.
Roper, who had scored 9 first round knockouts in his career, briefly
stunned champ Louis in the first before being knocked out in 2 minutes
and 22 seconds.
Compiled a professional boxing record of 54-44-9 with 27
knockouts
Was knocked-out in one round by heavyweight champions Joe Louis, James
J. Braddock, and Jack Dempsey(in an exhibition).
Defeated Sonny Walker, Johnny Erjavec, Patsy Perroni, Jorge Brescia,
Bob Nestill and Junior Munsell prior to meeting Joe Louis for the
title.
Brother of boxer/actor Bob Roper.
Had a boxing career from 1924 - 1940. Fought 118 bouts in the Heavy weight division. His first bout was on November 19, 1924.
In 1939 knocked-out Luis Logan in 4 rounds in the Philippines to win
the Oriental Heavyweight Title.