James J. Braddock
American boxer (1905–1974)
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Key Takeaways
- James Walter Braddock (June 7, 1905 – November 29, 1974) was an American boxer who was the world heavyweight champion from 1935 to 1937.
- Braddock (ostensibly to follow the pattern set by two prior world boxing champions, James J.
- Jeffries), Braddock was known for his spoiling, counterpunching style, powerful right hand, and iron chin.
- He made a comeback, and in 1935 he fought Max Baer for the world heavyweight championship and won.
- Braddock was managed by Joe Gould.
James Walter Braddock (June 7, 1905 – November 29, 1974) was an American boxer who was the world heavyweight champion from 1935 to 1937.
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 iron chin. He lost several bouts because of 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, on West 48th Street in Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood. He grew up in Hudson County, New Jersey. He was one of seven children being raised by Irish immigrant parents Elizabeth O'Tool and Joseph Braddock.
Braddock became notorious for his exploits as a playground fighter at St. Joseph's Parochial School in West New York, New Jersey. 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".
From 1919 to 1923, Braddock worked a series of jobs: a messenger boy for Western Union, a printer's devil, a teamster and an errand boy in a silk mill.
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