Boxing has a long history in Berlin. It was first popularised in the 1930s by heavyweight champion Max Schmeling, a controversial figure who was married to glamourous movie star Anna Ondra. He received preferential treatment during the Nazi years, in no small part because of his defeat of black American boxer Joe Louis in the first of their two fights. These matches were watched by people the world over and not only by boxing fans – they were seen as a clash between National Socialism and capitalism.

Schmeling’s image has been rehabilitated somewhat by the revelation that he hid two Jewish boys in his hotel room during the Kristallnacht, likely saving their lives. Boxing has remained popular, helped in no small part by Turkish-born German fighter Oktay Urkal who in 2001 famously fought on against Kostya Tszyu despite having a broken jaw. Check www.n-events.de for the latest information on bouts.
The latest craze in the capital is the bizarre hybrid of chess and boxing known as Schachboxen.