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James J. Braddock

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James J. Braddock
Braddock in 1935
Born
James Walter Braddock

(1905-06-07)June 7, 1905
New York City, U.S.
DiedNovember 29, 1974(1974-11-29) (aged 69)
North Bergen, New Jersey, U.S.
Other namesBulldog of Bergen
Pride of the Irish
Pride of New Jersey
Cinderella Man
Statistics
Weight(s)Middleweight
Light heavyweight
Heavyweight
Height6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Reach75 in (191 cm)[1]
Boxing record
Total fights88
Wins52
Wins by KO27
Losses26
Draws7
No contests3

James Walter Braddock (June 7, 1905 – November 29, 1974) was an American[2][3] boxer who was the world heavyweight champion from 1935 to 1937.[4]

Fighting under the name James J. Braddock (ostensibly to follow the pattern set by two prior world boxing champions, James J. Corbett and James J. Jeffries), Braddock was known for his spoiling, counterpunching style, powerful right hand, and his iron chin. He had lost several bouts due to chronic hand injuries and was forced to work on the docks and collect social assistance to feed his family during the Great Depression. He made a comeback, and in 1935 he fought Max Baer for the world heavyweight championship and won. For this unlikely feat he was given the nickname "Cinderella Man" by Damon Runyon. Braddock was managed by Joe Gould.

Early life

[edit]

Braddock was born on June 7, 1905[5] on West 48th Street in Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood. He moved to North Bergen, New Jersey at an early age. He was one of seven children[6] being raised by immigrant parents; Irish mother Elizabeth O'Tool and Anglo-Irish father Joseph Braddock.[7]

He stated his life's early ambition was to play college football for Knute Rockne at the University of Notre Dame, though this did not come to pass, as he remarked that he had "more brawn than brains".[8][9]

Career

[edit]

Braddock pursued boxing, fighting as a light heavyweight. His first fight in a ring occurred on November 27, 1923.[10] He turned pro at the age of 21. After three years, Braddock's record was 44–2–2 (.938), with 21 knockouts.

In 1928, Braddock pulled off a major upset by knocking out highly regarded Tuffy Griffiths. The following year he earned a chance to fight for the title, but he narrowly lost to Tommy Loughran in a 15-round decision. Braddock was greatly depressed by the loss and badly fractured his right hand in several places in the process.[2]

His next 33 fights were significantly less successful, with an 11–20–2 (.364) record. With his family in poverty during the Great Depression, Braddock was forced to give up boxing and work as a longshoreman. Due to frequent injuries to his right hand, Braddock compensated by using his left hand during his longshoreman work, and it gradually became stronger than his right.[11]

Braddock felt humiliated by having to accept government relief money, but he was inspired by the Catholic Worker Movement, a Christian social justice organization founded by Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin in 1933 to help the homeless and hungry. After his boxing comeback, Braddock returned the welfare money he had received and made frequent donations to various Catholic Worker Houses, and fed homeless people by inviting them to meals with his family.[12]

Max Baer fight

[edit]

In 1934, Braddock was given a fight with the highly touted John "Corn" Griffin. Although Braddock was intended simply as a stepping stone in Griffin's career, he knocked out the "Ozark Cyclone" in the third round. Braddock then fought John Henry Lewis, a future light heavyweight champion. He won in one of the most important fights of his career. After defeating another highly regarded heavyweight contender, Art Lasky, whose nose he broke during the bout on March 22, 1935,[13] Braddock was given a title fight against the World Heavyweight Champion, Max Baer.[1][14]

Considered little more than a journeyman fighter, Braddock was hand-picked by Baer's handlers because he was seen as an easy payday for the champion, despite his recent impressive victories. Instead, on June 13, 1935, at Madison Square Garden Bowl, Braddock won the Heavyweight Championship of the World as the 10-to-1 underdog in what was called "the greatest fistic upset since the defeat of John L. Sullivan by Jim Corbett".[2]

During the fight, a dogged Braddock took a few heavy hits from the powerful younger champion (29 years versus 26 years for Baer), but Braddock kept coming, wearing down Baer, who seemed perplexed by Braddock's ability to take a punch. In the end, the judges gave Braddock the title with a unanimous decision.[14][15]

Heavyweight Champion

[edit]

Braddock's first title defense was to be against German Max Schmeling on June 3, 1937, in the Madison Square Garden Bowl. However, Braddock backed out of the bout in favor of a fight with Joe Louis in Chicago.[16] Braddock argued he would have received only a US$25,000 purse against Schmeling, compared to $250,000 against rising star Louis. There was also concern that if Schmeling won, the Nazi government would deny American fighters opportunities to fight for the title.[17] Finally, American commentators had expressed opposition to the fight in light of the connections between Schmeling and Adolf Hitler, with whom the German fighter had been associated after his earlier victory over Louis.[17][18] In his only defense of the title, Braddock lost to Louis in the 8th round by a knockout, the only one of his career.

Braddock and Louis saw each other frequently over the years, and the Brown Bomber always greeted him the same way: “Hello, champ.” As Jeremy Schaap wrote, “[Louis] fought eight world heavyweight champions, more than any other fighter ever, but he never called anyone but Jim Braddock ‘champ.’” [19] On the other hand, shortly after winning the title, Louis was quoted as saying, "I don't want to be called champ until I whip Max Schmeling".

Personal life

[edit]
Braddock (left) and Joe Gould (center), training as officers at the Atlantic Coast Transportation Corps Officers Training School in Fort Slocum, New York

Braddock married Mae Fox in 1930, and the couple had three children, James (Jay) Jr., Howard and Rosemarie.[20][21]

Braddock enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 and became a first lieutenant. He served in the Pacific theater on the island of Saipan, where he trained enlisted men in hand-to-hand combat.[22][21]

Upon return, he worked as a marine equipment surplus supplier and helped construct the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge in the early 1960s.[23]

Braddock was a member of the Fairview Teeko Club, New Jersey, where he was regarded as one of the strongest teekoists.[24]

Death and legacy

[edit]
James J. Braddock North Hudson Park in North Bergen, New Jersey

After his death in 1974 at the age of 69, James J. Braddock was interred in the Mount Carmel Cemetery in Tenafly, New Jersey. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2001. James J. Braddock North Hudson County Park in North Bergen, New Jersey is named in his honor.[25] On September 16, 2008, a 10-foot, 1,500-pound bronze statue of Braddock was erected in the park named in his honor not far from where he lived and trained. The statue was created by internationally renowned sculptor Zenos Frudakis[26]

The 2005 biographical film Cinderella Man tells Braddock's story. Directed by Ron Howard, it stars Russell Crowe as Braddock and Renée Zellweger as his wife, Mae.[27] The film had an estimated budget of $88 million and grossed $108.5 million worldwide.[28] Crowe's performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor. Paul Giamatti, playing Braddock's manager Joe Gould, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. The role of neighbor Sara Wilson was played by Rosemarie DeWitt, who is Braddock's real-life granddaughter. The film received mostly positive reviews.[29]

Professional boxing record

[edit]

All information in this section is derived from BoxRec,[30] unless otherwise stated.

Official record

[edit]
87 fights 47 wins 23 losses
By knockout 27 1
By decision 20 21
By disqualification 0 1
Draws 4
No contests 3
Newspaper decisions/draws 10

All newspaper decisions are officially regarded as “no decision” bouts and are not counted in the win/loss/draw column.

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
88 Win 47–24–4 (13) Tommy Farr SD 10 Jan 21, 1938 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
87 Loss 46–24–4 (13) Joe Louis KO 8 (15) Jun 22, 1937 Comiskey Park, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Lost NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring heavyweight titles
86 Win 46–23–4 (13) Max Baer UD 15 Jun 13, 1935 Madison Square Garden Bowl, Queens, New York, U.S. Won NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring heavyweight titles
85 Win 45–23–4 (13) Art Lasky UD 15 Mar 22, 1935 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
84 Win 44–23–4 (13) John Henry Lewis PTS 10 Nov 16, 1934 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
83 Win 43–23–4 (13) Corn Griffin TKO 3 (5), 2:37 Jun 14, 1934 Madison Square Garden Bowl, Queens, New York, U.S.
82 NC 42–23–4 (13) Abe Feldman NC 6 (10) Sep 25, 1933 Memorial Field Stadium, Mount Vernon, New York, U.S.
81 Win 42–23–4 (12) Chester Matan PTS 10 Jul 21, 1933 Playgrounds Stadium, West New York, New Jersey, U.S.
80 Win 41–23–4 (12) Les Kennedy PTS 10 Jun 21, 1933 Oakland Arena, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
79 Loss 40–23–4 (12) Al Stillman UD 10 May 19, 1933 St. Louis Arena, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
78 Loss 40–22–4 (12) Martin Levandowski MD 10 Apr 5, 1933 St. Louis Arena, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
77 Win 40–21–4 (12) Al Stillman TKO 10 (10) Mar 21, 1933 St. Louis Arena, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
76 Loss 39–21–4 (12) Al Ettore DQ 4 (8) Mar 1, 1933 Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
75 Loss 39–20–4 (12) Hans Birkie PTS 10 Jan 20, 1933 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
74 Win 39–19–4 (12) Martin Levandowski PTS 10 Jan 13, 1933 Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S., U.S.
73 Loss 38–19–4 (12) Lou Scozza TKO 6 (10) Nov 9, 1932 Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
72 Loss 38–18–4 (12) Tom Patrick PTS 10 Oct 21, 1932 Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.
71 Win 38–17–4 (12) Dynamite Jackson PTS 10 Sep 30, 1932 Coliseum, San Diego, California, U.S.
70 Loss 37–17–4 (12) John Henry Lewis PTS 10 Sep 21, 1932 Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, U.S.
69 Loss 37–16–4 (12) Tony Shucco PTS 8 Jul 25, 1932 Madison Square Garden Bowl, Queens, New York, U.S.
68 Win 37–15–4 (12) Vicente Parrile PTS 5 Jun 21, 1932 Madison Square Garden Bowl, Queens, New York, U.S.
67 Loss 36–15–4 (12) Charley Retzlaff SD 10 May 13, 1932 Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
66 Loss 36–14–4 (12) Baxter Calmes UD 10 Mar 18, 1932 Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S., U.S.
65 Loss 36–13–4 (12) Al Gainer PTS 10 Dec 4, 1931 New Haven Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
64 NC 36–12–4 (12) Maxie Rosenbloom NC 2 (10), 2:43 Nov 10, 1931 Minneapolis Auditorium, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
63 Loss 36–12–4 (11) Joe Sekyra PTS 10 Oct 9, 1931 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
62 Draw 36–11–4 (11) Andy Mitchell PTS 10 Sep 3, 1931 Navin Field, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
61 Win 36–11–3 (11) Jack Kelly PTS 10 Mar 30, 1931 New Haven Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
60 Win 35–11–3 (11) Jack Roper KO 1 (6), 1:08 Mar 5, 1931 Madison Square Garden Stadium, Miami, Florida, U.S.
59 Loss 34–11–3 (11) Ernie Schaaf SD 10 Jan 23, 1931 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
58 Win 34–10–3 (11) Phil Mercurio KO 2 (10) Sep 19, 1930 Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
57 Loss 33–10–3 (11) Babe Hunt PTS 10 Aug 11, 1930 Braves Field, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
56 Win 33–9–3 (11) Joe Monte PTS 10 Jul 2, 1930 Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
55 Loss 32–9–3 (11) Harold Mays PTS 10 Jun 5, 1930 Playgrounds Stadium, West New York, New Jersey, U.S.
54 Loss 32–8–3 (11) Billy Jones UD 10 Apr 7, 1930 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
53 Loss 32–7–3 (11) Leo Lomski SD 10 Jan 17, 1930 Chicago Coliseum, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
52 Win 32–6–3 (11) Jake Warren KO 2 (6) Dec 7, 1929 Ridgewood Grove, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
51 Loss 31–6–3 (11) Maxie Rosenbloom PTS 10 Nov 15, 1929 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
50 Loss 31–5–3 (11) Yale Okun PTS 10 Aug 27, 1929 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
49 Loss 31–4–3 (11) Tommy Loughran UD 15 Jul 18, 1929 Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York, U.S. For NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring light-heavyweight titles
48 Win 31–3–3 (11) Eddie Benson KO 1 (10) Apr 22, 1929 Broadway Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, U.S.
47 Win 30–3–3 (11) Jimmy Slattery TKO 9 (10) Mar 11, 1929 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
46 Win 29–3–3 (11) George Gemas KO 1 (10) Feb 4, 1929 Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
45 Loss 28–3–3 (11) Leo Lomski MD 10 Jan 18, 1929 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
44 Win 28–2–3 (11) Tuffy Griffiths TKO 2 (10), 1:40 Nov 30, 1928 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
43 Win 27–2–3 (11) Pete Latzo PTS 10 Oct 17, 1928 Newark Armory, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
42 Loss 26–2–3 (11) Joe Sekyra PTS 10 Aug 8, 1928 Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
41 Draw 26–1–3 (11) Nando Tassi PTS 10 Jul 25, 1928 Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
40 Draw 26–1–2 (11) Billy Vidabeck NWS 10 Jun 27, 1928 Playgrounds Stadium, West New York, New Jersey, U.S.
39 Loss 26–1–2 (10) Joe Monte PTS 10 Jun 7, 1928 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
38 Win 26–0–2 (10) Jimmy Francis NWS 10 May 16, 1928 Playgrounds Stadium, West New York, New Jersey, U.S.
37 Win 26–0–2 (9) Jack Darnell KO 4 (10) May 7, 1928 Grotto Auditorium, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
36 Win 25–0–2 (9) Paul Swiderski PTS 8 Jan 6, 1928 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
35 Draw 24–0–2 (9) Joe Monte PTS 10 Oct 7, 1927 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
34 Loss 24–0–1 (9) Herman Heller NWS 10 Aug 31, 1927 Playgrounds Stadium, West New York, New Jersey, U.S.
33 Win 24–0–1 (8) Vic McLaughlin NWS 10 Aug 10, 1927 Playgrounds Stadium, West New York, New Jersey, U.S.
32 Win 24–0–1 (7) George LaRocco UD 6 Jul 21, 1927 Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York, U.S.
31 Win 23–0–1 (7) Jimmy Francis NWS 10 Jul 13, 1927 Playgrounds Stadium, West New York, New Jersey, U.S.
30 Win 23–0–1 (6) Jimmy Francis NWS 10 Jun 8, 1927 Playgrounds Stadium, West New York, New Jersey, U.S.
29 Loss 23–0–1 (5) Paul Cavalier NWS 10 May 27, 1927 Arcola Park, Paramus, New Jersey, U.S.
28 Draw 23–0–1 (4) George LaRocco PTS 10 May 20, 1927 Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York, U.S.
27 Win 23–0 (4) Jack Stone NWS 10 May 11, 1927 Playgrounds Stadium, West New York, New Jersey, U.S.
26 Win 23–0 (3) Stanley Simmons TKO 1 (6), 2:32 May 2, 1927 Oakland Arena, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
25 Win 22–0 (3) Frankie Lennon TKO 3 (6) Apr 19, 1927 South Main Street Armory, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, U.S.
24 Win 21–0 (3) Jack O'Day KO 3 (10) Mar 22, 1927 Union City, New Jersey, U.S.
23 Win 20–0 (3) Tom McKiernan KO 2 (10) Mar 15, 1927 Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, U.S.
22 Win 19–0 (3) Nick Fadil PTS 6 Mar 8, 1927 Pioneer Sporting Club, New York City, New York, U.S.
21 Win 18–0 (3) Lou Barba PTS 4 Mar 3, 1927 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
20 Win 17–0 (3) Jack Nelson UD 6 Feb 15, 1927 South Main Street Armory, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, U.S.
19 Win 16–0 (3) Johnny Alberts KO 4 (6) Feb 1, 1927 South Main Street Armory, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, U.S.
18 Win 15–0 (3) George LaRocco KO 1 (4), 1:12 Jan 28, 1927 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
17 Win 14–0 (3) Tom McKiernan TKO 3 (8) Jan 13, 1927 Grotto Auditorium, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
16 Draw 13–0 (3) Doc Conrad NWS 4 Dec 20, 1926 4th Regiment Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
15 Win 13–0 (2) Joe Hudson PTS 6 Dec 8, 1926 Manhattan A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
14 Win 12–0 (2) Al Settle PTS 6 Dec 4, 1926 Walker A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
13 NC 11–0 (2) Willie Daly NC 1 (6) Nov 18, 1926 Floral Park Arena, North Bergen, New Jersey, U.S.
12 Win 11–0 (1) Lou Barba PTS 6 Nov 12, 1926 Pioneer Sporting Club, New York City, New York, U.S.
11 Win 10–0 (1) Jack O'Day KO 1 (8) Oct 27, 1926 Stanley Theater, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
10 Win 9–0 (1) Carmine Caggiano KO 1 (6), 0:49 Sep 30, 1926 Playgrounds Stadium, West New York, New Jersey, U.S.
9 Win 8–0 (1) Ray Kennedy KO 1 (6) Sep 16, 1926 Playgrounds Stadium, West New York, New Jersey, U.S.
8 Win 7–0 (1) Mike Rock KO 1 (6), 1:05 Sep 13, 1926 Oakland Arena, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
7 Win 6–0 (1) Gene Travers KO 1 (6), 0:24 Sep 7, 1926 Oakland Arena, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
6 Win 5–0 (1) Walter Westman TKO 3 (6) Jul 9, 1926 Boyle's Thirty Acres, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
5 Win 4–0 (1) Jim Pearson TKO 2 (4) Jun 28, 1926 Oakland Arena, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
4 Win 3–0 (1) Lee Dobson KO 1 (4) Jun 18, 1926 Boyle's Thirty Acres, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
3 Win 2–0 (1) Phil Weisberger TKO 1 May 1, 1926 Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
2 Win 1–0 (1) George Deschner KO 2 (6) Apr 22, 1926 Knights of Columbus, Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, U.S.
1 Draw 0–0 (1) Al Settle NWS 4 Apr 13, 1926 Amsterdam Hall, Union City, New Jersey, U.S.

Unofficial record

[edit]
87 fights 52 wins 25 losses
By knockout 27 1
By decision 25 23
By disqualification 0 1
Draws 7
No contests 3

Record with the inclusion of newspaper decisions in the win/loss/draw column.

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
88 Win 52–26–7 (3) Tommy Farr SD 10 Jan 21, 1938 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
87 Loss 51–26–7 (3) Joe Louis KO 8 (15) Jun 22, 1937 Comiskey Park, Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Lost NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring heavyweight titles
86 Win 51–25–7 (3) Max Baer UD 15 Jun 13, 1935 Madison Square Garden Bowl, Queens, New York, U.S. Won NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring heavyweight titles
85 Win 50–25–7 (3) Art Lasky UD 15 Mar 22, 1935 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
84 Win 49–25–7 (3) John Henry Lewis PTS 10 Nov 16, 1934 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
83 Win 48–25–7 (3) Corn Griffin TKO 3 (5), 2:37 Jun 14, 1934 Madison Square Garden Bowl, Queens, New York, U.S.
82 NC 47–25–7 (3) Abe Feldman NC 6 (10) Sep 25, 1933 Memorial Field Stadium, Mount Vernom, New York, U.S.
81 Win 47–25–7 (2) Chester Matan PTS 10 Jul 21, 1933 Playgrounds Stadium, West New York, New Jersey, U.S.
80 Win 46–25–7 (2) Les Kennedy PTS 10 Jun 21, 1933 Oakland Arena, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
79 Loss 45–25–7 (2) Al Stillman UD 10 May 19, 1933 St. Louis Arena, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
78 Loss 45–24–7 (2) Martin Levandowski MD 10 Apr 5, 1933 St. Louis Arena, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
77 Win 45–23–7 (2) Al Stillman TKO 10 (10) Mar 21, 1933 St. Louis Arena, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
76 Loss 44–23–7 (2) Al Ettore DQ 4 (8) Mar 1, 1933 Olympia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
75 Loss 44–22–7 (2) Hans Birkie PTS 10 Jan 20, 1933 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
74 Win 44–21–7 (2) Martin Levandowski PTS 10 Jan 13, 1933 Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S., U.S.
73 Loss 43–21–7 (2) Lou Scozza TKO 6 (10) Nov 9, 1932 Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
72 Loss 43–20–7 (2) Tom Patrick PTS 10 Oct 21, 1932 Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California, U.S.
71 Win 43–19–7 (2) Dynamite Jackson PTS 10 Sep 30, 1932 Coliseum, San Diego, California, U.S.
70 Loss 42–19–7 (2) John Henry Lewis PTS 10 Sep 21, 1932 Civic Auditorium, San Francisco, U.S.
69 Loss 42–18–7 (2) Tony Shucco PTS 8 Jul 25, 1932 Madison Square Garden Bowl, Queens, New York, U.S.
68 Win 42–17–7 (2) Vicente Parrile PTS 5 Jun 21, 1932 Madison Square Garden Bowl, Queens, New York, U.S.
67 Loss 41–17–7 (2) Charley Retzlaff SD 10 May 13, 1932 Boston Garden, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
66 Loss 41–16–7 (2) Baxter Calmes UD 10 Mar 18, 1932 Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois, U.S., U.S.
65 Loss 41–15–7 (2) Al Gainer PTS 10 Dec 4, 1931 New Haven Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
64 NC 41–14–7 (2) Maxie Rosenbloom NC 2 (10), 2:43 Nov 10, 1931 Minneapolis Auditorium, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
63 Loss 41–14–7 (1) Joe Sekyra PTS 10 Oct 9, 1931 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
62 Draw 41–13–7 (1) Andy Mitchell PTS 10 Sep 3, 1931 Navin Field, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
61 Win 41–13–6 (1) Jack Kelly PTS 10 Mar 30, 1931 New Haven Arena, New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
60 Win 40–13–6 (1) Jack Roper KO 1 (6), 1:08 Mar 5, 1931 Madison Square Garden Stadium, Miami, Florida, U.S.
59 Loss 39–13–6 (1) Ernie Schaaf SD 10 Jan 23, 1931 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
58 Win 39–12–6 (1) Phil Mercurio KO 2 (10) Sep 19, 1930 Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
57 Loss 38–12–6 (1) Babe Hunt PTS 10 Aug 11, 1930 Braves Field, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
56 Win 38–11–6 (1) Joe Monte PTS 10 Jul 2, 1930 Fenway Park, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
55 Loss 37–11–6 (1) Harold Mays PTS 10 Jun 5, 1930 Playgrounds Stadium, West New York, New Jersey, U.S.
54 Loss 37–10–6 (1) Billy Jones UD 10 Apr 7, 1930 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
53 Loss 37–9–6 (1) Leo Lomski SD 10 Jan 17, 1930 Chicago Coliseum, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
52 Win 37–8–6 (1) Jake Warren KO 2 (6) Dec 7, 1929 Ridgewood Grove, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
51 Loss 36–8–6 (1) Maxie Rosenbloom PTS 10 Nov 15, 1929 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
50 Loss 36–7–6 (1) Yale Okun PTS 10 Aug 27, 1929 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
49 Loss 36–6–6 (1) Tommy Loughran UD 15 Jul 18, 1929 Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York, U.S. For NYSAC, NBA, and The Ring light-heavyweight titles
48 Win 36–5–6 (1) Eddie Benson KO 1 (10) Apr 22, 1929 Broadway Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, U.S.
47 Win 35–5–6 (1) Jimmy Slattery TKO 9 (10) Mar 11, 1929 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
46 Win 34–5–6 (1) George Gemas KO 1 (10) Feb 4, 1929 Laurel Garden, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
45 Loss 33–5–6 (1) Leo Lomski MD 10 Jan 18, 1929 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
44 Win 33–4–6 (1) Tuffy Griffiths TKO 2 (10), 1:40 Nov 30, 1928 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
43 Win 32–4–6 (1) Pete Latzo PTS 10 Oct 17, 1928 Newark Armory, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
42 Loss 31–4–6 (1) Joe Sekyra PTS 10 Aug 8, 1928 Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
41 Draw 31–3–6 (1) Nando Tassi PTS 10 Jul 25, 1928 Ebbets Field, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
40 Draw 31–3–5 (1) Billy Vidabeck NWS 10 Jun 27, 1928 Playgrounds Stadium, West New York, New Jersey, U.S.
39 Loss 31–3–4 (1) Joe Monte PTS 10 Jun 7, 1928 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
38 Win 31–2–4 (1) Jimmy Francis NWS 10 May 16, 1928 Playgrounds Stadium, West New York, New Jersey, U.S.
37 Win 30–2–4 (1) Jack Darnell KO 4 (10) May 7, 1928 Grotto Auditorium, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
36 Win 29–2–4 (1) Paul Swiderski PTS 8 Jan 6, 1928 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
35 Draw 28–2–4 (1) Joe Monte PTS 10 Oct 7, 1927 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
34 Loss 28–2–3 (1) Herman Heller NWS 10 Aug 31, 1927 Playgrounds Stadium, West New York, New Jersey, U.S.
33 Win 28–1–3 (1) Vic McLaughlin NWS 10 Aug 10, 1927 Playgrounds Stadium, West New York, New Jersey, U.S.
32 Win 27–1–3 (1) George LaRocco UD 6 Jul 21, 1927 Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York, U.S.
31 Win 26–1–3 (1) Jimmy Francis NWS 10 Jul 13, 1927 Playgrounds Stadium, West New York, New Jersey, U.S.
30 Win 25–1–3 (1) Jimmy Francis NWS 10 Jun 8, 1927 Playgrounds Stadium, West New York, New Jersey, U.S.
29 Loss 24–1–3 (1) Paul Cavalier NWS 10 May 27, 1927 Arcola Park, Paramus, New Jersey, U.S.
28 Draw 24–0–3 (1) George LaRocco PTS 10 May 20, 1927 Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York, U.S.
27 Win 24–0–2 (1) Jack Stone NWS 10 May 11, 1927 Playgrounds Stadium, West New York, New Jersey, U.S.
26 Win 23–0–2 (1) Stanley Simmons TKO 1 (6), 2:32 May 2, 1927 Oakland Arena, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
25 Win 22–0–2 (1) Frankie Lennon TKO 3 (6) Apr 19, 1927 South Main Street Armory, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, U.S.
24 Win 21–0–2 (1) Jack O'Day KO 3 (10) Mar 22, 1927 Union City, New Jersey, U.S.
23 Win 20–0–2 (1) Tom McKiernan KO 2 (10) Mar 15, 1927 Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, U.S.
22 Win 19–0–2 (1) Nick Fadil PTS 6 Mar 8, 1927 Pioneer Sporting Club, New York City, New York, U.S.
21 Win 18–0–2 (1) Lou Barba PTS 4 Mar 3, 1927 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
20 Win 17–0–2 (1) Jack Nelson UD 6 Feb 15, 1927 South Main Street Armory, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, U.S.
19 Win 16–0–2 (1) Johnny Alberts KO 4 (6) Feb 1, 1927 South Main Street Armory, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, U.S.
18 Win 15–0–2 (1) George LaRocco KO 1 (4), 1:12 Jan 28, 1927 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
17 Win 14–0–2 (1) Tom McKiernan TKO 3 (8) Jan 13, 1927 Grotto Auditorium, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
16 Draw 13–0–2 (1) Doc Conrad NWS 4 Dec 20, 1926 4th Regiment Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
15 Win 13–0–1 (1) Joe Hudson PTS 6 Dec 8, 1926 Manhattan A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
14 Win 12–0–1 (1) Al Settle PTS 6 Dec 4, 1926 Walker A.C., New York City, New York, U.S.
13 NC 11–0–1 (1) Willie Daly NC 1 (6) Nov 18, 1926 Floral Park Arena, North Bergen, New Jersey, U.S.
12 Win 11–0–1 Lou Barba PTS 6 Nov 12, 1926 Pioneer Sporting Club, New York City, New York, U.S.
11 Win 10–0–1 Jack O'Day KO 1 (8) Oct 27, 1926 Stanley Theater, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
10 Win 9–0–1 Carmine Caggiano KO 1 (6), 0:49 Sep 30, 1926 Playgrounds Stadium, West New York, New Jersey, U.S.
9 Win 8–0–1 Ray Kennedy KO 1 (6) Sep 16, 1926 Playgrounds Stadium, West New York, New Jersey, U.S.
8 Win 7–0–1 Mike Rock KO 1 (6), 1:05 Sep 13, 1926 Oakland Arena, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
7 Win 6–0–1 Gene Travers KO 1 (6), 0:24 Sep 7, 1926 Oakland Arena, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
6 Win 5–0–1 Walter Westman TKO 3 (6) Jul 9, 1926 Boyle's Thirty Acres, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
5 Win 4–0–1 Jim Pearson TKO 2 (4) Jun 28, 1926 Oakland Arena, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
4 Win 3–0–1 Lee Dobson KO 1 (4) Jun 18, 1926 Boyle's Thirty Acres, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
3 Win 2–0–1 Phil Weisberger TKO 1 May 1, 1926 Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
2 Win 1–0–1 George Deschner KO 2 (6) Apr 22, 1926 Knights of Columbus, Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, U.S.
1 Draw 0–0–1 Al Settle NWS 4 Apr 13, 1926 Amsterdam Hall, Union City, New Jersey, U.S.

See also

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Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Max Baer 5 to 1 favorite to beat Jimmy Braddock tonight". Milwaukee Journal. Associated Press. June 13, 1935. p. 6, part 2.[permanent dead link]
  2. ^ a b c "Cinderella Man – James J Braddock". Retrieved October 18, 2014.
  3. ^ Watson, William E.; Halus Jr., Eugene J. (November 25, 2014). Irish Americans: The History and Culture of a People: The History and Culture of a People. ABC-CLIO. p. 253. ISBN 9781610694674. Retrieved June 11, 2018.
  4. ^ "Braddock's death recalls ups and downs of career". Milwaukee Journal. Associated Press. November 30, 1974. p. 14.[permanent dead link]
  5. ^ Augustyn, Adam, ed. (June 3, 2020). "James J. Braddock". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved November 12, 2020.
  6. ^ Schaap, Jeremy (2005). Cinderella Man: James J. Braddock, Max Baer, and the Greatest Upset in Boxing History. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. pp. 4–6. ISBN 0-618-55117-4.
  7. ^ Brown, Ned (June 16, 1935). "Life's been no rose bed for new Heavy champ". Milwaukee Journal. p. 1, sports.[permanent dead link]
  8. ^ Albeck Maurer, Ellen (2016). Snicklefritz: Winifred Elizabeth Manning Allbeck Tells Stories from an Earlier Time. Hillcrest Publishing Group. p. 305 – via Google Books.
  9. ^ Traynor, Jessica (December 5, 2018). "'Cinderella Man' James Braddock, the Irish-American boxer who became world champion". The Irish Times. Retrieved May 15, 2019.
  10. ^ Schaap (2005), p. 12
  11. ^ Schaap (2005), p. 165
  12. ^ Demers, Daniel (September 27, 2019). "The Cinderella Man's Left Hook: Jim Braddock's Catholic Story". Catholic Stand. Archived from the original on December 8, 2019. Retrieved August 18, 2022.
  13. ^ Brietz, Eddie (March 23, 1935). "Braddock decisive victor over Lasky". Milwaukee Sentinel. Associated Press. p. 1, sports.[permanent dead link]
  14. ^ a b Rice, Grantland (June 14, 1935). "Braddock beats Baer; Max Schmeling to get title shot in 1936". Milwaukee Journal. p. 8, part 2.[permanent dead link]
  15. ^ Neil, Edward J. (June 14, 1935). "Verdict for Braddock unanimous". Milwaukee Sentinel. Associated Press. p. 13.[permanent dead link]
  16. ^ "Commission Acts on Braddock Bout". The New York Times. May 27, 1937.
  17. ^ a b Walsh, Davis J. (January 14, 1937). "Proposed boycott of Braddock-Schmeling fight gains ground". Reading Eagle. (Pennsylvania). INS. p. 12.
  18. ^ Pegler, Westbrook (January 14, 1937). "Fair Enough". St. Petersburg Evening Independent. (Florida). p. 3.
  19. ^ Schaap (2005), p. 455.
  20. ^ Schaap (2005), p. 35.
  21. ^ a b "Braddock, Who Beat Baer for Title Dies". The New York Times. November 30, 1974. Retrieved June 11, 2018.
  22. ^ "James J. Braddock.com Bio". jamesjbraddock.com. Estate of James J. Braddock.
  23. ^ James J. Braddock. Vol. Supplement 9: 1971–1975. Charles Scribner's Sons. 1994. {{cite encyclopedia}}: |work= ignored (help)
  24. ^ Scarne, John (1955). Scarne on Teeko. Crown Publishers, New York. p. 227.
  25. ^ Rounds, Kate. "James J. Braddock Park—North Bergen" Palisade magazine; Summer 2010. p. 16
  26. ^ "'Cinderella Man' James J. Braddock honored during statue unveiling ceremony". The Jersey Journal. September 27, 2018. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  27. ^ "Jimmy Braddock climbed fast: Hit top of fight ladder in three years". Border Cities Star. Windsor, Ontario. Associated Press. June 19, 1935. p. 1, sports.
  28. ^ Cinderella Man at The Numbers
  29. ^ "Cinderella Man (2005)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved June 11, 2014.
  30. ^ "BoxRec: Jim Braddock".

References

[edit]
[edit]
Sporting positions
World boxing titles
Preceded by NYSAC heavyweight champion
June 13, 1935 – June 22, 1937 		Succeeded by
NBA heavyweight champion
June 13, 1935 – June 22, 1937
The Ring heavyweight champion
June 13, 1935 – June 22, 1937
Undisputed heavyweight champion
June 13, 1935 – June 22, 1937
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