Former Top Contender Nova Dies in Las Vegas

Jay Louis (Lou) Nova, 76, once the top-ranked heavyweight boxing contender in the world, died Sunday at Southern Nevada University Medical Center in Las Vegas of cancer and a heart ailment.

In 1938, Ring Magazine ranked Nova just below champion Joe Louis among heavyweights, and just ahead of Max Baer. Nova knocked out Baer on June 1, 1939, in the 11th round in New York City, but was knocked out by Tony Galento in the 14th round in Philadelphia on Sept. 15 of that year.

It wasn’t until 1941, when Nova was ranked eighth, before he met Louis in the ring, being knocked out in six rounds in New York.

Nova, who was born in Los Angeles, compiled a record of 53-9, with 33 knockouts, according to the Ring Encyclopedia.

After his boxing career ended in 1945, Nova took on roles on the stage and in motion pictures.