James J. Braddock
American boxer (1905–1974)
James J. Braddock
Braddock in 1935
Born James Walter Braddock
(1905-06-07 ) June 7, 1905New York City, U.S.
Died November 29, 1974(1974-11-29) (aged 69) Other names Bulldog of Bergen Pride of the Irish Pride of New Jersey Cinderella Man Statistics Weight(s) Middleweight Light heavyweight Heavyweight Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) Reach 75 in (191 cm)[ 1]
Boxing record Total fights 88 Wins 52 Wins by KO 27 Losses 26 Draws 7 No contests 3
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
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
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
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
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".
Seven months after the fight, Braddock had his next match with Tommy Farr and won in what turned out to be his last match.
Personal life
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] His granddaughter is the actress Rosemarie DeWitt .[ 22]
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.[ 23] [ 21]
Upon return, he worked as a marine equipment surplus supplier and helped construct the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge in the early 1960s.[ 24]
Braddock was a member of the Fairview Teeko Club, New Jersey, where he was regarded as one of the strongest teekoists.[ 25]
Death and legacy
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.[ 26] 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 [ 27]
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.[ 28] The film had an estimated budget of $88 million and grossed $108.5 million worldwide.[ 29] 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.[ 30]
Professional boxing record
All information in this section is derived from BoxRec ,[ 31] unless otherwise stated.
Official record
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
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
Notes
^ 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 ]
^ a b c "Cinderella Man – James J Braddock" . Retrieved October 18, 2014 .
^ 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 .
^ "Braddock's death recalls ups and downs of career" . Milwaukee Journal . Associated Press. November 30, 1974. p. 14.[permanent dead link ]
^ Augustyn, Adam, ed. (June 3, 2020). "James J. Braddock" . Encyclopædia Britannica . Retrieved November 12, 2020 .
^ 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 .
^ Brown, Ned (June 16, 1935). "Life's been no rose bed for new Heavy champ" . Milwaukee Journal . p. 1, sports. [permanent dead link ]
^ Albeck Maurer, Ellen (2016). Snicklefritz: Winifred Elizabeth Manning Allbeck Tells Stories from an Earlier Time . Hillcrest Publishing Group. p. 305 – via Google Books .
^ Traynor, Jessica (December 5, 2018). " 'Cinderella Man' James Braddock, the Irish-American boxer who became world champion" . The Irish Times . Retrieved May 15, 2019 .
^ Schaap (2005), p. 12
^ Schaap (2005), p. 165
^ 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 .
^ Brietz, Eddie (March 23, 1935). "Braddock decisive victor over Lasky" . Milwaukee Sentinel . Associated Press. p. 1, sports. [permanent dead link ]
^ 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 ]
^ Neil, Edward J. (June 14, 1935). "Verdict for Braddock unanimous" . Milwaukee Sentinel . Associated Press. p. 13. [permanent dead link ]
^ "Commission Acts on Braddock Bout". The New York Times . May 27, 1937.
^ a b Walsh, Davis J. (January 14, 1937). "Proposed boycott of Braddock-Schmeling fight gains ground" . Reading Eagle . (Pennsylvania). INS . p. 12.
^ Pegler, Westbrook (January 14, 1937). "Fair Enough" . St. Petersburg Evening Independent . (Florida). p. 3.
^ Schaap (2005), p. 455.
^ Schaap (2005), p. 35.
^ a b "Braddock, Who Beat Baer for Title Dies" . The New York Times . November 30, 1974. Retrieved June 11, 2018 .
^ St John, Allen (June 15, 2010). "The Star Next Door" . New Jersey Monthly . Archived from the original on December 2, 2021. Retrieved November 28, 2024 .
^ "James J. Braddock.com Bio" . jamesjbraddock.com . Estate of James J. Braddock.
^ James J. Braddock . Vol. Supplement 9: 1971–1975. Charles Scribner's Sons. 1994.
^ Scarne, John (1955). Scarne on Teeko . Crown Publishers, New York. p. 227.
^ Rounds, Kate. "James J. Braddock Park—North Bergen " Palisade magazine; Summer 2010. p. 16
^ " 'Cinderella Man' James J. Braddock honored during statue unveiling ceremony" . The Jersey Journal. September 27, 2018. Retrieved April 19, 2024 .
^ "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.
^ Cinderella Man at The Numbers
^ "Cinderella Man (2005)" . Rotten Tomatoes . Retrieved June 11, 2014 .
^ "BoxRec: Jim Braddock" .
References
Joe Louis, Edna Rust, Art Rust Jr., Joe Louis: My Life
"Cinderella Man" by Eminem, 2010
Joe Louis, 66, Heavyweight King Who Reigned 12 Years, Is Dead , Obituary, New York Times , April 13, 1981.
Louis' TAX issues
Jenny Nolan, "The Brown Bomber – The Man Behind The Fist" , The Detroit News
"Remembering Joe Louis" , WTVM
"The Long Loneliness", by Dorothy Day, 1952
External links
Boxing record for James J. Braddock from BoxRec (registration required)
James J. Braddock – CBZ Profile
Boxing Hall of Fame
ESPN.com
Official James J. Braddock website (includes videos of some rounds of Braddock's fights with Baer and Louis)
Braddock's career record – from the Official James J. Braddock website
"James J. Braddock" . Find a Grave . Retrieved February 7, 2008 .
Collection of critical opinion of Cinderella Man at Rotten Tomatoes
James Braddock vs Max Baer, 13 June 1935, all rounds
James Braddock vs Joe Louis, 22 June 1937, all rounds
Quits Docks To Win Three Great Fights: Half Starved, Braddock Battles His Way To Scrap With Baer, by Harry Grayson, Sports Editor, NEA Service, June 5, 1935
International National People Other