Boxing History: June 13, 1935 James J. Braddock W 15 Max Baer, Long Island. Braddock wins World Heavyweight Title.
Scoring: Referee McAvoy scored 9-5-1; Lynch 11-4; Kelly 7-7-1. Upset of the Year!
James Walter “Cinderella Man” (June 7, 1905 – November 29, 1974) was an American boxer who was the world heavyweight champion from 1935–37.
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), he was known for his powerful right hand, solid chin and comeback from a floundering career. 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. In 1935 he fought Max Baer for the Heavyweight title and won. For this unlikely feat he was given the nickname “Cinderella Man” by Damon Runyon. Braddock was managed by Joe Gould.
Braddock had a streak of 20 losses in 33 fights in the midst of the Great Depression forced Braddock onto welfare and into a job as a longshoreman. Braddock’s boxing fortunes turned around in 1934 as he embarked on a remarkable comeback, stunning Max Baer in June 1935 to win the world heavyweight title in a unanimous decision. His incredible turnaround was captured in the 2005 film “Cinderella Man.”
Ring Magazine Boxing Hall of Fame (1964)
New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame (Inaugural Class of 1969)
International Boxing Hall of Fame (2001)
World Boxing Hall of Fame
Braddock reportedly fought a 4-round pro fight under the name Jimmy Ryan in 1923, before he started his amateur career.
L-to-r; Jack McCarthy, Charley Massera, Doc Robb, James J. Braddock, Joe Gould, Bill Irby & Max Roesch
