“The Clash of Nations: Joe Louis vs. Max Schmeling ” debuts Friday on The HISTORY Channel at 8 p.m. ET.

The film is executive produced by Fulwell Entertainment's athlete storytelling brand UNINTERRUPTED, which was founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter. James, Carter, Jamal Henderson and Matt Rissmiller serve as executive producers for UNINTERRUPTED.

The rivalry between Louis and Schmeling transcended sports at a time when World War II was on the cusp of breaking out.

The documentary is described with the following synopsis: “Set against the rise of fascism in Europe and racial segregation in the United States, the documentary follows the parallel lives and careers of American Joe Louis and German Max Schmeling as they overcome social and political obstacles while hurtling on a collision course to two historic matchups in the ring, and a pivotal place in history. Their first fight in 1936 shocked the world, while their 1938 rematch at Yankee Stadium came to symbolize a larger clash between democracy and Nazism. It’s the US versus Germany, and democracy versus fascism, symbolized by two human beings in a ring carrying the weight of the world.

“From Louis’ upbringing in the Jim Crow South and rise as a unifying American figure, to Schmeling’s role as a reluctant symbol of Nazi propaganda and a complex individual who defied simple categorization, the documentary brings new depth to a legendary rivalry. Ninety years after their first fight, the story also explores the legacy of their clash, from its impact on World War II to the unlikely friendship the two men formed later in life, and offers a nuanced portrait of how a single sporting event can shape culture, politics, and history.”

The documentary features archival footage and commentary from Joe Louis' son, Joe Louis Barrow Jr., as well as historians, authors and other analysts.

Louis and Schmeling first squared off on June 19, 1936, at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York. Schmeling stopped Louis in the 12th round of a fight scheduled for 15, and handed “The Brown Bomber” his first career loss in The Ring’s “Fight of the Year.”

Two years later, Louis got revenge and knocked out Schmeling in the first round of their rematch, also at Yankee Stadium.

Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan.