Compiled a professional boxing record of 54-44-9 with 27 knockouts
Defeated Sonny Walker, Johnny Erjavec, Patsy Perroni, Jorge Brescia, Bob Nestill and Junior Munsell prior to meeting Joe Louis for the title.
Fought Joe Louis for the world heavyweight boxing championship on April 17, 1939 in Wrigley Field, Los Angeles, and was knocked out in the first round.
In 1939 knocked-out Luis Logan in 4 rounds in the Philippines to win the Oriental Heavyweight Title.
Roper, who had scored 9 first round knockouts in his career, briefly stunned champ Louis in the first before being knocked out in 2 minutes and 22 seconds.
Was knocked-out in one round by heavyweight champions Joe Louis, James J. Braddock, and Jack Dempsey(in an exhibition).