On 30 August 1937, Farr fought world heavyweight champion Joe Louis at the height of his career at Yankee Stadium, New York City. He earned respect despite losing a controversial points decision after 15 rounds. Louis, one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, had knocked out eight of his previous nine opponents and proceeded to knock out his next seven, but was fearlessly attacked and hurt by Farr. The 50,000 crowd booed when Louis was awarded the decision after referee Arthur Donovan, Sr. had seemingly raised Farr's glove in victory. Seven years later, in his published account of the fight, Donovan apologised for the 'mistake', claiming he had only meant to shake Farr's hand to congratulate him for what he saw as an impressive and courageous fight. "Mistakes" hardly ended there, however. Donovan's own scorecard, had 13 rounds going to Louis.