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Events on Sunday 12 April 1981 2
1914 – 1981Joe Louis (1914-1981)Died 12 April 1981, aged 66American boxer Joe Louis, world heavyweight champion from 1937 to 1949, died in Las Vegas, Nevada, on 12 April 1981. He defended his title a record twenty-five times and his 1938 rematch victory over Max Schmeling became a landmark moment in American sports history. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
1981Brixton riotsRioting erupts in south London over policing and unemploymentRioting broke out in Brixton, south London, from 10 to 12 April 1981, following tensions over aggressive policing and high unemployment in the area's Black community. Hundreds of people were injured and dozens of buildings were damaged or destroyed. The unrest prompted the Scarman inquiry into policing and race relations.